By 
When Aman Sehrawat stood on the Olympic podium in Paris last year with a bronze medal around his neck, it was more than just a sporting achievement. For the young wrestler from Birohar, Haryana, it was a life-defining moment — a turning point that brought recognition, financial stability, and the validation of years of hard work.
Yet, a year later, the 57kg freestyle grappler says he has already “forgotten” about that medal. Not because it didn’t matter, but because dwelling on it might stop him from chasing bigger dreams.
From Tragedy to Triumph
Life has never been a smooth path for Aman. Orphaned at a tender age, he grew up under the care of his paternal uncle, who supported him and his younger sister through difficult times. The weight of family responsibilities was always on his shoulders — from ensuring his sister’s education to eventually getting her married.
Despite these burdens, wrestling became his refuge and his way forward. In Paris, Aman not only fulfilled his dream but also extended India’s remarkable streak of winning wrestling medals in every Olympic Games since 2008.
“The Olympic medal changed my life 90 per cent,” Aman said after winning the 57kg selection trials for the upcoming World Championships. “Before Paris, no one knew me. I could walk anywhere without being noticed. Now, people recognise me and respect me. I feel I have done something for the country, and the hard work of 10-15 years has paid off.”
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A Medal Beyond Expectations
Aman admits that the bronze was as surprising to him as it was to the wrestling world. “I was not even expected to win,” he said with humility. “Expectations were higher from the women wrestlers. This medal is God’s blessing. Ye to prasad hi hai bhagwaan ka (This is God’s gift).”
But the medal, instead of making him complacent, has ignited a bigger fire. “It motivated me. Now, people are expecting gold from me. I have already forgotten my bronze medal; I can’t settle for that and say I have achieved enough. I am preparing for gold.”
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A Newfound Freedom
For the first time, Aman feels he can train without financial worries. The recognition and rewards following the Olympic success have eased his life considerably.
“I can buy whatever I want now,” he said with a smile. “Earlier, there was pressure to take care of my sister’s education and marriage. Now, I can practise with a free mind. It’s not that we were neglected — my uncle always supported us — but as the elder brother, you do feel the weight of responsibility.”
This stability, Aman believes, will allow him to focus entirely on his craft.
Learning to Make Careful Choices
As an Olympic medallist, Aman admits that he has become more cautious in making career decisions. He understands that every competition, training choice, and public appearance now carries more weight.
His absence from the mat for much of the past year wasn’t just due to rest; it was the result of a combination of factors, including injury and a conscious decision to prepare only when he was at his peak.
“I competed in only two tournaments since the Paris Games and skipped the senior Asian Championships,” he explained. “After the Olympics, I planned to train abroad, but things didn’t go as expected. Then I got injured. Also, the fear of losing after winning an Olympic medal was there. I thought if I lose, people would say success has spoiled me. My coaches told me I need to be at my best to compete.”
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The Long Road Back
When he finally returned to competition at the Ulaanbaatar Open in Mongolia in June, Aman managed a bronze medal. However, he lost in the semifinals to Mexico’s Roman Bravo-Young — a surprising result, given India’s reputation in wrestling.
“I lost a close bout. I was not ready,” Aman admitted. “I fought well but lost because of my own mistakes, not because he was far superior. I was competing after one year, and it takes time to get mat sharpness. I could not wrestle the way I wanted.”
Despite the setback, Aman isn’t discouraged. Instead, he sees it as part of the process of regaining his competitive edge.
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Why International Exposure Matters
Aman is clear about one thing — if Indian wrestling wants to stay at the top, exposure to stronger wrestling nations is a must.
“We need to go for exposure trips, especially to Russia and the USA, where the wrestlers are better than us,” he said. “Training with high-quality sparring partners helps you improve much faster. In India, I can manage the competitors in trials easily, but the rivals from other countries are stronger. You have to be at your absolute best to beat them.”
Mental Battles After Success
Winning an Olympic medal brings glory, but it also brings pressure. Aman candidly admits that the fear of failure was something he had to battle post-Paris.
“After the medal, I knew people’s eyes were on me. If I lost, they would say I lost focus after success. That’s why I wanted to compete only when I felt fully ready. Wrestling at this level is not just about skill; it’s about being mentally prepared for the fight,” he said.
This mental shift has shaped his training philosophy — focusing on quality over quantity, on targeted preparation rather than constant competition.
A Symbol of Resilience
Aman’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the Olympic podium is a testament to resilience, discipline, and unshakeable determination. His story resonates with countless young athletes across the country, especially those facing personal hardships.
But for Aman, the story is still being written. “Bronze was just a chapter,” he insists. “Gold is the goal.”
Eyes on the World Championships
Now, with the World Championships on the horizon, Aman is back in the grind. The tournament is a key qualifier for the next Olympic cycle and a chance for him to test himself against the best in the world.
His preparation will include high-intensity training, strategic exposure trips, and a focus on building both physical strength and mental toughness. With his mind free from financial stress and his body recovering well, Aman is determined to make the most of this phase.
Now, with the World Championships on the horizon, Aman is back in the grind
The Bigger Picture
Aman’s story is not just about wrestling — it’s about refusing to be defined by one achievement, no matter how big. In a sports culture where Olympic medals are often seen as career peaks, Aman’s hunger for more stands out.
His journey shows that while medals bring recognition, it’s the desire to keep improving that defines a champion. “I’ve already forgotten my bronze,” he repeats. “Now, it’s all about gold.”
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