S.Kannan in Paris
The famous Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi has produced many wrestling champions. On Friday night, Aman Sehrawat brought the cheers back, as he demolished Darian Toi Cruz on points to win a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 57kg category at Paris 2024. From the time Aman entered the arena, touched the floor and then his heart, he looked a picture of confidence.
Perhaps, just for the first one minute, Aman was trying to understand the strategy from Darian, who lacked any solid plan. As the seconds passed, Aman was in brilliant form. He did not attempt anything brave but was wonderful with his technique, where he flummoxed Darian with such tight ‘grips.’ There was good tactics and technique on view from the wrestler who trains at a venue in the national capital which has produced champions like Sushil Kumar and Ravi Kumar Dahiya. Sushil won two Olympic medals in 2008 Beijing and 2012 London. Ravi had won silver in the Tokyo Olympics. At this point in time, he is out with an injury.
Much of the focus in wrestling of late was on politics and how Vinesh Phogat missed out on a medal due to being overweight by 100gm. The despondency in the Indian camp was lifted by Aman, who was a picture of confidence. The bearded boy has done well to also go abroad for training camps in Makhachkala, Russia, with his physio Naitik Prakash Vohra, funded by the sports ministry.
All these wrestlers, Aman included, come from humble backgrounds. After sealing the bronze medal, he was almost reverential. He folded his hands and said a “namaste” to the packed arena. Aman takes inspiration from Sushil and had served notice of his potential when he won a gold medal in the U-23 world wrestling meet. At the Asian Games last year as well in Hangzhou, Aman did well to win a bronze medal.
After this bronze medal win, Aman was emotional. He has said he will go for gold in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. India’s tally has now gone up to six medals from Paris 2024, after this win from Aman. For the record, like Manu Bhaker, Aman also hails from Jhajjar in Haryana, but has based himself in New Delhi. His childhood has been one of struggle after losing his parents early. He has been supported by his grandfather and the extended family will be emotional, back in India.