Aman Sehrawat, Ravi Dahiya: Chhatrasal Wrestlers Turn Formidable Rivals In Hunt For Olympic Glory

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2021 turned out to be a watershed moment in Indian wrestling as it saw the advent of Ravi Dahiya as the new star, who inspired a young generation of wrestlers in the country.

Winning the men's freestyle 57kg category silver medal, Ravi left his impression on a certain 17-year-old Aman Sehrawat, who was keenly following the Tokyo Olympics gold medal bout at the famed Chhatrasal Stadium.

The venue in North Delhi holds historical significance in Indian wrestling and is also home to both wrestlers. While Olympics remains unfinished business for Ravi, who only values an Olympic gold, three years down the line he faces stiff resistance from his capable understudy.

The rivalry became apparent during the latest trials for Olympic qualifiers in Sonepat when Aman, now a reigning Asian Champion, turned a formidable opponent with a closely fought bout. It felt like a roller-coaster ride as early on Aman pulled away to a big lead and was threatening to win by technical superiority before Ravi wrestled hard to cut down the gap to just a point.

By the final seconds of the bout, it was too obvious that Aman will have to dig deep to sustain the lead over his much-experienced rival and the youngster did the needful.

Speaking to MyKhel after his bout, Aman Sehrawat remained humble in accepting that Ravi wasn't at his best as the Jhajjar-born youngster has been making a comeback from an injury but did added that Aman meant business on the mat.

"Ravi bhai ka thoda injury chal rha tha warna unse point lena asaan nahi hota hai (Ravi is making a comeback from injury otherwise it's not always easy to take points off him)," says Aman. "I always respect Ravi for what he has achieved but on the mat, I treat him like any other rival and at the moment this is about the Olympics, which is every athlete's dream."

A fresh chapter in the rivalry can only be added once Aman bags an Olympic quota for India in the 57kg category at the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament in Bishkek next month. Finishing a runner-up at least will be the priority, upon which a final trial before the Olympics will allow Ravi to present his case for a Paris ticket.

Aman is no novice to the continental challenge as he is the reigning Asian Champion and with Japan already bagged a quota, the challenge is likely to come from nations like Iran, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan among others.

Even if we take the Olympic quota for granted for a minute, overcoming Ravi Dahiya for the second time in an expected trial is a task said harder than done, especially when the Tokyo silver medallist will return fitter and with purpose. Aman expects nothing less from an athlete of Ravi's stature.

"I have never taken a respected wrestler like Ravi for granted so I am expecting a tougher fight than this if we meet for the trials again. Prior to our bout, I always watch videos of all of Ravi's bout on YouTube. And in a category like 57kg, you can't expect any freebies because it carries the reputation of creating medal winners from India," concluded the former U-23 World Champion.