Wrestler Aman Sehrawat being welcomed by his supporters throughout his arrival after successful the bronze medal on the Paris Olympics, on August 13, 2024. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Orphaned at a young age, life has not been a mattress of roses for the Birohar-born wrestler. His paternal uncle supported him wholeheartedly however household obligations did weigh on Aman’s thoughts.
His bronze-winning present in Paris final 12 months introduced recognition and cash that made his life straightforward, as Aman carried on the nation’s custom of bringing dwelling a medal in wrestling from each Olympic Games since 2008.
“The Olympic medal changed my life 90 per cent. No one knew me before. I would not be noticed anywhere, but after the Paris success, people began to know me, respect me. I felt I did something for the country and the hard work of 10-15 years has paid off,” Aman informed PTI after successful the 57kg choice trials for the World Championships.
“An Olympic medal is God’s blessing. I used to be not even anticipated to win. Expectations have been larger from the ladies wrestlers. Ye to prasad hello hai bhagwaan ka (This is God’s reward).
“It motivated me as well. People are now expecting gold from me. I have already forgotten my bronze medals; I can’t settle for that and say I have achieved enough. Now I am preparing for gold.”
Elaborating how success on the highest stage had modified his life, the soft-spoken wrestler mentioned, “I can buy whatever I want now.” “There was strain that in future I have to get my youthful sister educated and get her married. Now I can apply with a free thoughts; I need not fear about cash.
“It’s not that we were not taken care of. My uncle has always supported us, but you do think about the responsibility of being an elder brother.”
As a person, Aman hasn’t modified a lot. Rather he’s now extra cautious about making selections, being an Olympic medallist.
He attributed his absence from the mat for a substantial time to a number of causes, together with damage.
Aman has competed in solely two tournaments because the Paris Games. He consciously missed the senior Asian Championship.
“After the Olympics, I assumed I’ll practice overseas however issues don’t all the time go as you count on. Then I bought injured additionally.
“The concern of dropping after successful an Olympic medal additionally weighed on me. I assumed, If I lose individuals would say success has spoilt me. So, coaches mentioned you’re at a distinct stage and must be at your finest to take the mat.
“I could have easily managed the Indian competitors (in trials) but the rivals from other countries were stronger. I need to be at my best before I compete. I felt I was not in perfect shape, and I was advised by the coaches to prepare for the World Championships only.”
On his comeback, Aman competed within the Ulaanbataar Open in Mongolia in June and settled for a bronze, dropping to Mexico’s Roman Bravo-Young within the semifinals.
Indian wrestlers are stronger and never anticipated to lose in opposition to Mexican rivals. But Aman mentioned he would take the defeat in his stride.
“I misplaced a detailed bout to a Mexican, I used to be not prepared. Though I fought a superb bout, I misplaced due to my very own errors, not that he beat me arms down.
“I was competing after one year, it takes time to get mat sharpness. I could not wrestler the way I wanted to.” Aman emphasised the necessity to go on publicity and coaching journeys overseas to spar with higher companions.
“We need to go for exposure trips, especially to Russia and USA, who are better than us.”
Published – August 05, 2025 04:17 pm IST
