Aman Sehrawat is a wrestler of unwavering focus and discipline. His recent bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics is just another milestone in his pursuit of greatness, with his eyes firmly set on winning gold at the Los Angeles Games. Despite the victory, Aman’s hunger for success remains undiminished.
Aman faced a challenging semifinal match against former Olympic silver medallist Rei Higuchi, a seasoned Japanese wrestler with multiple world medals to his name. The bout was intense and brief; Higuchi dominated Aman, swiftly taking him down and securing a 10-0 victory through technical superiority. Aman’s dream of reaching the finals was crushed in minutes.
But Aman, ever resilient, didn’t waste time dwelling on the loss. With the weigh-in for his bronze medal bout scheduled for the next morning, he had to lose five kilograms to qualify. This grueling task required every ounce of his determination and strength.
The ‘cutting weight’ process is often more challenging than the match itself, as was evident in the 57kg category during the Paris Games. Many wrestlers struggled with the intense physical demands. Iran’s Alireza Sarlak, a former world silver medallist, couldn’t make weight and was disqualified. Russian-turned-Albanian wrestler Zelimkhan Abakarov barely made it and ended up losing his quarterfinal bout against Aman, despite having previously defeated him by a significant margin.
Closer to home, Aman was acutely aware of how missing weight could end a medal dream. Just days before, his fellow Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat had been disqualified from the final of the women’s 50kg competition, costing her a guaranteed medal. Aman knew he had to be meticulous.
Donning his black sweatsuit, Aman spent hours training, shadow practicing, and working out in the gym, determined to shed the extra kilos. After three intense sessions and multiple checks, the scales finally read 56.80kg. Exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, Aman went to bed, relieved yet cautious.
The following morning, at 7:30 am, Aman anxiously stepped on the scales once more. The relief was palpable when he found himself still under the required weight. Only then did he allow himself the luxury of water and food. By the evening, Aman was fully recharged and ready for his bronze medal bout against Darian Toi Cruz of Puerto Rico.
Cruz, a former collegiate champion in the USA, put up a strong fight. Initially, he even led 3-2. But Aman, with a hunger far beyond just food, was relentless. He fought fiercely, draining Cruz’s energy and ultimately overpowering him with a score of 13-5.
Aman’s bronze win places him in an elite group of Indian wrestlers who have medalled at the Olympics. This includes Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Ravi Dahiya, and Bajrang Punia. All of these champions have one thing in common: their training at Chhatrasal Akhara, a place synonymous with Indian wrestling excellence.
Chhatrasal Akhara in New Delhi’s Model Town neighborhood is more than just a training ground; it’s a crucible of champions. The conditions are tough: cramped living quarters, unreliable electricity, and the ever-present scent of sweat. Yet, this environment fosters resilience, pain tolerance, and an unyielding pursuit of success. Weakness is not tolerated here, and the hunger to succeed is constant.
Aman’s connection to Chhatrasal runs deep. Brought to the akhara by his uncle at the age of 11, after losing both his parents, Chhatrasal became his home. The discipline, the rigorous training, and the atmosphere of relentless pursuit shaped Aman into the champion he is today.
Over the years, Aman has carved a niche for himself even in this school of champions. He won gold at the national level in 2022, became India’s first U-23 World Champion, and clinched the Asian Championship gold in 2023. His exceptional performance earned him a prefabricated room at Chhatrasal, a rare concession for top athletes, complete with its own AC. The walls are adorned with motivational posters, including one with the Olympic rings and the words, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”
Aman’s biggest challenge on his Olympic journey came not just from his competitors but from within Chhatrasal itself. He had to face and defeat his senior, Ravi Dahiya, the Tokyo silver medallist, at the Olympic selection trials. After two losses, Aman finally triumphed, securing his place at the Asian Olympic qualifiers. Though he missed out on a quota there, he didn’t let it deter him. He refocused, prepared for the World Olympic qualifiers, and ultimately secured his spot in Paris.
At the Paris Olympics, Aman was placed in a tough group, but he stayed true to his training and discipline. By the end, he had not only won a bronze medal but also carried a raw cut on his nose, a testament to the battles he fought. The cut will heal, but the medal is just a step toward a larger goal.
Aman’s journey doesn’t end with this bronze medal. “I’m going to win a gold medal next time,” he confidently declares. His life will return to its routine at Chhatrasal, but his dreams have expanded, now encompassing the glittering gold of the Los Angeles Games.
Aman Sehrawat’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from a young boy at Chhatrasal Akhara to an Olympic medallist is inspiring, but his journey is far from over. With his sights set on the gold in Los Angeles, Aman’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance.
Stay updated on Aman Sehrawat’s journey and other inspiring stories of Indian athletes. Follow us for more!
