Mumbai: Grappler Dalip Singh Rana or "The Great Khali," as he is more popularly known, says he wrestles not for himself but for the country and would be happy if more Indians join him.

Speaking at an event "The Great Khali Live In Mumbai" organised by Ten Sports here on Saturday night, the first Indian world champion of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) called upon the youth to come forward and join him in the sport to bring greater glory to the country.

Khali and his wife, Harvinder Kaur, were welcomed with a huge applause by a crowd of over 15,000 people consisting mainly of the younger generation.

"I want the youth to go in the right direction. I want you to be healthy and do something which will bring laurels to the country. I want you to stay well and abstain from all bad things," said Khali.

On being asked about his journey, the wrestler said it has not been easy. "After intensive body building for eight years, I went to the US for training. There I learnt the art of wrestling. Later, I went to Japan and joined a wrestling group. Training continued for a long time followed by a series of fights and finally, I am now in front of you," he said.

To a query as to whom he fears, the square jawed wrestler, who is 7-feet 3-inch tall and weighs 190 kg, said: "'Main sirf paramatma se darta hoon' (I fear only God)."

On being asked about the secret of his strength, Khali, who was recently promoted to the rank of inspector in Punjab police for his extraordinary feat, said: "I drink a lot of milk and exercise a lot."

Source : IANS