“I Feel I’m Back to My Best”: Aman Sehrawat After Dominating World Championship Trials

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Lucknow, August 5: Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat stormed back into top form on Monday (August 4) as he sailed through the selection trials for the upcoming World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

Competing in the 57kg freestyle category, the 22-year-old looked a class apart, winning all his bouts with technical superiority and not conceding a single point in the final.

This will be Sehrawat’s second international appearance since his historic bronze at the Olympics. After a modest comeback at the Mongolia Ranking Series in June, where he settled for bronze, Sehrawat said he has now regained his rhythm and confidence. “I feel I am back to my best. My fitness is good and my rhythm is also back. I am ready for the World Championship,” Aman told PTI after sealing his place in the Indian squad.

Sehrawat Shows Ruthless Efficiency in Trials

In the opening bout, Sehrawat faced Sumit and quickly established dominance through explosive double-leg attacks. The only points he conceded were push-outs. The match ended via technical superiority in the first period itself.

In the final against Rahul, Sehrawat was even more clinical. He opened the scoring with a push-out after a firm head-lock and followed it with a swift two-pointer takedown. His speed and agility left no room for Rahul to recover. Sehrawat’s decisive movement and clear strategy made the contest entirely one-sided.

“I understand that I made a few mistakes in Mongolia, but that was my first competition in a year. I was even leading 11-6 in that match. I’ll take that defeat in my stride,” Sehrawat added, referring to his earlier performance.

The 22-year-old has previously won a gold at the 2023 Asian Championships and a bronze at the 2022 Asian Games but is yet to win a senior World Championship medal—something he will be eyeing this September.

Sujeet Kalkal and Deepak Punia Shine Too

In the 65kg category, Sujeet Kalkal impressed with exceptional counterattacking skills. Known for his aggressive style, Kalkal’s defence stood out this time. He blanked Anuj 10-0 and then defeated Vishal Kaliraman 8-4, showing a new level of maturity and control.

“Sujeet beat Russian and Kazakhstan wrestlers in Hungary. He clears tricky bouts. He will be an Olympics medal contender,” said national coach Vinod Kumar.

Deepak Punia, who moved up to the 92kg category, also sealed his place with dominant wins. The Olympic finalist needed just 73 seconds to beat Manjeet and then comfortably defeated Sachin in the final.

India’s Men’s Freestyle Squad for World Championships 2025

• 57kg: Aman Sehrawat
• 61kg: Udit
• 63kg: Sunny Kumar
• 65kg: Sujeet Kalkal
• 67kg: Anil
• 70kg: Rohit
• 74kg: Jaideep
• 79kg: Amit
• 86kg: Mukul Dahiya
• 92kg: Deepak Punia
• 97kg: Vickey
• 125kg: Rajat

With Sehrawat returning to form and a strong, youthful squad at India’s disposal, expectations will be high as the wrestlers head to Zagreb for the World Championships next month.