Aman Sehrawat has made history by becoming the youngest-ever individual Olympic medallist from India at just 21 years, 24 days old, following his bronze medal victory in the men’s freestyle 57 kg category at the Paris Olympics.
The young wrestler’s achievement has been met with widespread acclaim and admiration across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebration, praising Sehrawat’s dedication and perseverance. In a heartfelt post, PM Modi stated, “More pride thanks to our wrestlers! Congratulations to Aman Sehrawat for winning the bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 57 kg at the Paris Olympics. His dedication and perseverance are clearly evident. The entire nation celebrates this remarkable feat.”
More pride thanks to our wrestlers!
Congratulations to Aman Sehrawat for winning the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Freestyle 57 kg at the Paris Olympics. His dedication and perseverance are clearly evident. The entire nation celebrates this remarkable feat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2024
Also Read: Aman Sehrawat Shines With Bronze, Revives Indian Wrestling Hopes Amidst Disappointments
Sehrawat’s victory is particularly significant as he was one of India’s last hopes for adding to the medal tally in Paris. His performance has been a source of inspiration, especially within the wrestling community. Bajrang Punia, the 2020 Tokyo bronze medallist and Sehrawat’s senior at the Chhatrasal Akshara in Delhi, shared Sehrawat’s touching backstory.
Punia recounted, “Aman was only 11 years old when he lost his parents. His uncle took him to the Chhatrasal Stadium, which then became his home. His courage and strength have led him to this historic achievement. The words on the wall of his room—‘If it were this easy, everyone would do it’—have resonated throughout his journey. Now, his name will be honored in every wrestling hall across India.”
शाबास अमन सहरावत भाई! इस शानदार पहलवान को ब्रॉन्ज मेडल की बधाई दीजिए।
अमन कमाल खेले हो भाई
भारत की कुश्ती कभी भी (2008 के बाद से) ओलंपिक से खाली हाथ वापस नहीं आती। 🥉🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/CefefOZp18
— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) August 9, 2024
Sehrawat secured his bronze medal with a decisive 13-5 win over Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz. His path to the podium included a stunning 12-0 victory over Albania’s Zelimkhan Abakarov, the 2022 world champion, in the quarterfinals, and a 10-0 technical superiority win against former European champion Vladimir Egorov in the round of 16. Despite a setback against Japanese top-seed Rei Higuchi in the semifinals, Sehrawat’s resilience shone through in the bronze medal match.
BCCI General Secretary Jay Shah congratulated Sehrawat, saying, “What a way to earn your first Olympic medal! Aman Sehrawat, your performance in the bronze medal match was top-notch! You have battled through every adversity, and despite the struggles, you’ve come out on top. The entire nation is proud of you!”
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra also extended his praise, stating, “Congratulations Aman! Your determination on the mat, your focus, and the way you carry yourself with humility and grace—these are the qualities that make a true champion. Securing bronze in Paris is a huge achievement, but more than that, it’s a reflection of your relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m incredibly proud of you, and I know you’ve made the entire nation proud too. Keep shining, champ!”
Sehrawat’s triumph not only highlights his exceptional talent but also marks a significant moment in Indian sports history, inspiring future generations of athletes.
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