Lost 4.6 kg by Gymming and Jogging All Night: Aman Sehrawat Becomes the Youngest Indian Olympic Medalist, Wins Bronze for the Country
At the age of 21 years and 24 days, Aman Sehrawat has become India’s youngest Olympic medalist. On Friday, he won India’s first wrestling medal at the Paris Olympics. With this victory, he has continued the legacy of Indian wrestlers, a tradition that started with K.D. Jadhav winning a bronze in 1952. Indian wrestlers have now won medals in five consecutive Olympic Games.
Aman achieved this win with a strong attack and stamina. After losing the first point, he adopted an aggressive approach, causing his opponent to falter. In the second round, he decisively scored 7 points to win the bronze medal.
Aman defeated Puerto Rico’s Dairon Tó Cruz 13-5 in the freestyle 57 kg category. It was not an easy match; his weight had increased to over 61 kg before the bout. However, Aman and his coach managed to reduce his weight by 4.6 kg in just 10 hours.
Aman Sehrawat’s Weight Cut Challenge Before Match
After the semifinals, Aman Sehrawat’s weight increased to 61.5 kg, which was 4.5 kg over his 57 kg weight category. The biggest challenge for senior Indian coaches Jagminder Singh and Virender Dahiya was to reduce his weight before the morning weigh-in.
Dahiya explains that it was like a mission, as they couldn’t afford another setback after what happened with Vinesh. Due to being just 100 grams overweight, Vinesh had been deemed ineligible for the finals and is now fighting a legal battle.
To complete this mission, while cutting Aman’s weight, he was given warm water with lemon and honey, and a bit of coffee between sessions. Aman spent the entire night watching wrestling videos and his weight was checked every hour.
Expert Match Analysis: Aman Sehrawat Wins by Exhausting Opponent
Aman Sehrawat won the match through his powerful attacks, stamina, and strategy. After losing the first point, he adopted an aggressive approach. He executed a leg attack on his opponent, bringing him down to secure points. In the first round, Aman did not face significant risks and maintained his stamina, effectively wearing down his opponent.
As the opponent grew tired, Aman resumed his attacks, scoring 7 points in the second round, largely through leg attacks. Additionally, when the opponent attempted a leg attack on Aman, he managed to defend himself well. In my opinion, the match was one-sided, with Aman leading throughout the competition.
Interesting Facts and Records
Youngest Indian Olympic Medalist: Aman Sehrawat has become the youngest Indian Olympic medalist, winning a bronze at the age of 21 years and 24 days. Previously, P.V. Sindhu held the record, winning silver at the Rio Olympics at the age of 21 years, 1 month, and 14 days.
First Wrestling Medal at Paris Olympics: Aman Sehrawat won the first wrestling medal for India at the Paris Olympics. Although Vinesh Phogat reached the finals earlier, she did not receive a medal due to being deemed ineligible.
India’s 6th Medal at Paris: India won its sixth medal at the Paris Olympics, which includes one silver and five bronzes. Just a day earlier, Neeraj Chopra won silver in javelin throw, while shooters contributed three bronze medals.
Wrestling Medals in 5 Consecutive Olympics: Indian wrestlers have secured medals in five consecutive Olympic Games. Sushil Kumar won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and since then, wrestlers have continued to bring home medals.
Eighth Wrestling Medal at the Olympics: The first wrestling medal for India was won by K.D. Jadhav in 1952. Since then, India has won a total of eight wrestling medals at the Olympics, including two silvers and six bronzes.
PM Modi: Increased Pride Thanks to Wrestlers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude towards the wrestlers, saying their achievements have brought even more pride to the nation. He congratulated Aman Sehrawat for winning bronze in the men’s freestyle 57 kg event at the Paris Olympics.
Modi highlighted that Sehrawat’s dedication and determination are evident, and the entire country is celebrating this remarkable achievement.
Yogeshwar Dutt: Preserving India’s Wrestling Supremacy
London Olympic bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt praised Aman Sehrawat in his post, stating: “Wow, son Aman, by winning bronze at the Paris Olympics, you have maintained India’s wrestling supremacy. Heartfelt congratulations to you.
Securing a medal in wrestling for the fifth consecutive Olympics is a moment of pride for the country.”
Ravi Dahiya: Winning Medals and Hearts
Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and Aman Sehrawat’s mentor, Ravi Dahiya, wrote: “Heartfelt congratulations, Aman Bhai, very well done. Wrestling has won both medals and hearts at the Paris Olympics.”
Sakshi Malik: Continuing the Tradition
Rio Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik wrote: “Heartfelt congratulations to Aman for winning the bronze medal. Since the 2008 Olympics, wrestling has never returned empty-handed, and you have upheld this tradition. Thank you very much.”
Abhinav Bindra: You Are a True Champion
“Congratulations, Aman. You are a true champion. Your performance and focus on the mat are commendable. Winning a bronze medal in Paris is a significant achievement. I am proud of you; you have brought pride to the entire country.”
