Wrestler Joshua Chetty's desire to inspire future generations

IOL News

14 hours ago

Wrestler Joshua Chetty, known as 'Joshua The Bull' said he wants to motivate and urge young people to pursue their dreams.
Image: Supplied
When Joshua Jesse Chetty, better known in the ring as 'Joshua The Bull' stepped into professional wrestling, he carried more than his own ambitions.
He carried the weight of proving that someone from Chatsworth, Durban could make history in a sport that had never seen an athlete like him at its highest levels.
"I wasn't just fighting for myself. I was representing every kid from Chatsworth who was told their dream was too different," Chetty said, reflecting on the driving force behind his career.
Chetty's athletic journey began in his childhood. Born in Chatsworth, his family moved to Winkelspruit, where he played rugby, soccer, and athletics.
He excelled in discus and sprinting but wanted to be a wrestler.
'My goal was always to become a professional wrestler, but it seemed like a far-fetched dream, and a lot of people told me it was impossible. I had to keep my focus and trust in God,' he said.
His fascination with wrestling grew as he watched wrestling on TV. He attended every local show he could, often volunteering to help set up rings, immersing himself in the sport.
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Eventually, he found a wrestling school and began formal training. He debuted at the age of 18 at the Chatsworth Youth Center on 13 November 2010. Wrestling legend Tiger Ellappan was present at the event, marking it as a historic start for Chetty.
In 2016, Chetty broke one of South African wrestling's longest-standing ceilings when he became the first Indian wrestler to win the World Wrestling Professionals (WWP) Tag Team Championship, alongside his partner Shadow.
Chetty's cultural heritage remains central to his persona. He often enters the ring to traditional Indian music, a deliberate choice to honour his Telugu roots and demonstrate that heritage can be celebrated in professional wrestling.
He credits his strong Christian upbringing for giving him resilience. Chetty also draws inspiration from Indian wrestling legends including Ellappan, Tiger Singh, and Richie "Lionheart" Govender, while forging his own path.
His achievements include holding the inaugural WAWSA Arnold's Champion title for two years.
Even in 2025, Chetty continues to compete. He recently wrestled at Wrestle Monster, WAWSA's largest African wrestling event, winning a three-way match in Durban.