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Indian wrestling basking in glory
It has been a good week for Indian wrestling. After the contingent came up with its best-ever performance at the Junior Asian Championship in Manila, winning 14 medals and finishing third overall, the senior Graeco-Roman team pocketed gold and two bronze at the Spanish Grand Prix on Monday, reports Sahil Sharma.
It has been a good week for Indian wrestling. After the contingent came up with its best-ever performance at the Junior Asian Championship in Manila, winning 14 medals and finishing third overall, the senior Graeco-Roman team pocketed gold and two bronze at the Spanish Grand Prix on Monday.
Anil Kumar won gold in 60kg, while Devendra Singh and Hari Krishna clinched bronze in the 120kg and 55kg respectively.
Speaking to HT, Wrestling Federation of India president, GS Mander, said: "It's just the beginning. We have high ambitions from our wrestlers. In Manila, the international federation officials were surprised with the upcoming talent… They are looking at India as a potential medal-winner in the 2012 London Olympics."
Talking of emerging talent, a grappler who has moved up quickly is Rahul Aware, a 55kg freestyle grappler. Born in Bindh district of Maharashtra, the 18-year-old is considered by many as the next big thing in Indian wrestling. A gold in the Commonwealth Youth Games was complemented by another at the German GP. Now, with the Junior Asian Championship gold round his neck, he has registered three wins in a year.
