Focus on speed: New mantra for Arjuna-winning wrestler Aman

HAVING LOST TO JAPAN WRESTLERS AT ASIAD AND OLYMPICS, PARIS BRONZE WINNER SAYS TRAINING STINT IN JAPAN WAS EYE-OPENER

- Shantanu Srivastava

NEW DELHI: Getting your picture on the dank walls of the wrestling hall in the capital's Chhatrasal Stadium is an aspirational legacy. It's an honour extended to Olympic medallists who have honed their skills here, which means Sushil Kumar and Ravi Dahiya are right up there, poring over the lithe, sweaty bodies going through the grind on the mat below.

When Aman Sehrawat returned to his alma mater after winning bronze at the Paris Olympics last August, he decided to delay the di rigueur. "I want a picture with the President of India," he is learned to have said, indicating his desire for the Arjuna award.

On Thursday, his wish came true with Aman becoming the only wrestler to get a national sports award in the 2024 iteration. A total of 32 para and able-bodied athletes will receive Arjuna for their performance over the past four years while another four will be bestowed with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

"It is a great feeling. As a kid, I sometimes dreamt of dressing up in a nice suit and get awarded by the president. Kaha se aye thy or kaha pahuch gaye," he said.