Aman Sehrawat, India’s bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, says the life-changing impact of his achievement has lifted a heavy burden, but he’s already set his sights beyond the podium. The 22-year-old wrestler from Birohar, Haryana, who continued India’s proud tradition of securing a wrestling medal at every Olympics since 2008, spoke candidly to PTI after clinching the 57kg trials for the upcoming World Championships.

Orphaned at a young age, Aman faced immense challenges growing up, supported by his paternal uncle while carrying the weight of family responsibilities. The Olympic bronze brought not just recognition but financial stability, easing worries about his younger sister’s education and future. “The medal changed my life 90 percent. Before, no one knew me. Now, people respect me, and I feel I’ve done something for my country,” Aman said, describing the honor as “God’s gift.”

Yet, the soft-spoken wrestler refuses to rest on his laurels. “I’ve already forgotten my bronze medals. I can’t settle and say I’ve achieved enough. Now, I’m preparing for gold,” he declared, driven by heightened expectations and a hunger for greater success. The financial freedom from his Olympic achievement allows him to train with a “free mind,” unburdened by monetary concerns.

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Aman’s journey post-Paris hasn’t been without hurdles. He competed in only two tournaments since the Olympics, citing injuries and a cautious approach to protect his reputation. “The fear of losing after an Olympic medal weighed on me. People might say success has spoilt me,” he admitted. Advised by coaches to prioritize the World Championships, Aman skipped the senior Asian Championship to focus on regaining peak form.

His comeback at the Ulaanbataar Open in Mongolia in June resulted in a bronze, with a narrow loss to Mexico’s Roman Bravo-Young in the semifinals. Reflecting on the defeat, Aman said, “I wasn’t ready. It was my own mistakes, not that he beat me hands down. After a year away, I lacked mat sharpness.” He emphasized the need for international exposure, particularly training in wrestling powerhouses like Russia and the USA, to sharpen his skills against top-tier competitors.

Aman remains grounded despite his fame, approaching decisions with greater caution as an Olympic medalist. His focus now is on rigorous preparation and global training camps to elevate his performance. With India’s wrestling legacy on his shoulders, Aman is determined to turn his bronze into gold, proving that his Paris triumph was just the beginning.

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