Name: Arjan Singh Bhullar

Talent: Bhullar is on the National Freestyle Wrestling Team as well as the Simon Fraser University wrestling team. "I enjoy competing on the mat more than anything else. I feel wrestlers are modern day gladiators, testing their mental/physical/emotional limits on a daily basis. This has been one of the major draws for me to this sport – it is an individual sport with little to no equipment and your body is pushed to limits you never thought possible."

Inspiration: As a child I was always inspired by my father who was an accomplished wrestler himself. Many of his characteristics have been passed down to me and have allowed me to excel in wrestling as well. Being an immigrant coming to a new country in a troubled period of time (1970), he had to work extremely hard for what he wanted; it is with this same work ethic and determination that I hope to one day realize my goals and my dreams."

Cultural Background: I am a proud Sikh. Wrestling is huge in our community and I am especially grateful of the support I have received over the years. Before me there were not many Sikh males at the higher levels of this sport, but I am very happy to see that the next generation is loaded with potential and the sky is the limit for them."

Future Plans: My plan was to compete in the Olympic Games but it did not work out that way. It was a very humbling experience to go through and I feel I gained a lot of experience for the next time around. It is always important to continue to improve after each tournament, as my ultimate goal is to bring back a medal for Canada in 2012. This year has some big tournaments, the first one being The Hargobind/Clansman International which is a very big international tournament held locally in Surrey. After that I would like to do well at the Senior World Championships this year as well as the World University Games."

Awards: A two-time Senior National Champion, Winner of the Canadian Olympic Trials, a Bronze in the PanAmerican Games and a Bronze in the World University Championships

Advice: Whatever you are into remember three things:

1. You are going to have to work hard and be willing to sacrifice

2. Don’t ever quit or be deterred from your goals

3. Believe in yourself

Next appearance/event:  The Hargobind/Clansman International: Surrey, B.C., late November.