How Aman Sehrawat avoided cruel Vinesh Phogat fate by losing 4.6 kgs in 10 hours to be ready for Olympic bronze play-off

Aman Sehrawat’s triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a tale of grit, determination, and extraordinary resilience. The young Indian wrestler’s journey to securing the sixth medal for India in these Games, a bronze in the men’s Freestyle 57 kg category, was not just a battle on the mat, but a test of endurance, willpower, and mental fortitude. In a story reminiscent of the legendary weight-loss struggles that define wrestling folklore, Sehrawat overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to keep India’s Olympic wrestling medal streak alive.

The Weight of Expectations and the Panic Before the Storm

A Shocking Discovery

The drama began on Thursday evening, less than 24 hours before Sehrawat was scheduled to compete in the bronze medal match. After his semifinal bout against Japan’s Rei Higuchi, Sehrawat stepped on the scales and discovered that he weighed 61.5 kilograms—4.5 kilograms over the permissible limit for his weight category. The Indian wrestling camp was immediately gripped by a sense of panic. This discovery brought back haunting memories of the heartbreaking disqualification of Vinesh Phogat earlier in the week, after she was found to be 100 grams over the limit in her final weigh-in, despite a sensational run to the gold medal bout.

For Sehrawat, who had worked tirelessly to reach this point, the possibility of disqualification was unthinkable. The team knew they had no choice but to launch an all-out effort to bring his weight down to the required 57 kilograms in just 10 hours. The mission was clear: failure was not an option.

The Weight Loss Battle: A Grueling Night of Sweat and Determination

A Comprehensive Weight Loss Plan

The Indian camp quickly devised a rigorous and exhaustive weight loss regimen, tapping into every possible method to help Sehrawat shed the excess kilos. The process began with a one-and-a-half-hour mat session where senior coaches Jagmander Singh and Virender Dahiya put Sehrawat through intense standing wrestling drills. This was designed to kickstart the weight loss by burning calories quickly.

A Marathon of Sweat

After the mat session, Sehrawat was subjected to a hot-bath session lasting an hour. The hot water bath was intended to induce sweating, helping Sehrawat lose water weight—a common and effective method used by wrestlers to make weight. This was followed by an hour-long nonstop run on the treadmill at the gym, taking him past midnight.

Sehrawat was given a brief 30-minute break to recover before beginning a series of five sauna sessions, each lasting five minutes. The sauna, a well-known method for rapid weight loss in combat sports, further accelerated the process of dehydration.

A Late-Night Miracle

By the end of the final sauna session, Sehrawat had managed to shed an impressive 3.6 kilograms. It was a remarkable feat, but still short of the target. Undeterred, the team continued with light jogging and a 15-minute running session, followed by a massage to relax the muscles and keep the blood flowing.

At 4:30 AM, after nearly 10 hours of relentless effort, Sehrawat stepped on the scales again. This time, the reading was 56.9 kilograms—100 grams under the permissible limit. The mission was a success. The Indian camp breathed a collective sigh of relief, knowing that their wrestler was now eligible to compete in the bronze medal match.

The Psychological Toll: Battling Fatigue and Fear

A Sleepless Night

The physical toll of the weight loss regimen was immense, but perhaps even more challenging was the psychological strain. Sehrawat, who did not sleep at all during the night, was kept motivated by his coaches and support staff. They continuously monitored his weight, provided him with lukewarm water mixed with lemon and honey, and a bit of coffee to keep his energy levels up.

Coach Virender Dahiya later revealed the intense pressure the team was under. “Weight cutting is routine, normal for us, but there was tension, a lot of tension due to what happened the other day with Vinesh. We could not let slip another medal,” Dahiya said. The memories of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification weighed heavily on everyone’s minds, making the stakes even higher for Sehrawat.

Mental Preparation

Despite the physical exhaustion and mental fatigue, Sehrawat spent the night watching videos of wrestling bouts, mentally preparing himself for the battle ahead. The coaches ensured that his mind remained focused on the task at hand, encouraging him to stay positive and believe in his ability to overcome the odds.

The Bronze Medal Match: A Display of Skill and Resilience

The Final Showdown

The stage was set for Sehrawat’s bronze medal match against Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz. After the grueling night, Sehrawat stepped onto the mat determined to make every drop of sweat count. The match was intense, with both wrestlers fighting hard for the podium finish.

Sehrawat’s agility and technique were on full display as he secured a commanding 13-5 victory over Cruz. It was a remarkable performance, especially considering the physical and mental toll of the previous night. With this win, Sehrawat not only secured India’s first wrestling medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics but also maintained India’s proud streak of winning at least one wrestling medal in every Olympic Games since 2008.

Reflecting on the Journey: Lessons from Sehrawat’s Success

The Importance of Teamwork

Sehrawat’s victory was a testament to the power of teamwork. The coordinated efforts of his coaches and support staff were instrumental in helping him overcome the weight challenge. Their expertise, dedication, and unwavering support played a crucial role in Sehrawat’s success.

Resilience and Determination

Sehrawat’s journey to the podium was also a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed at the highest level of sport. His ability to push through physical and mental barriers, and his refusal to give up in the face of adversity, exemplify the qualities of a true champion.

The Thin Line Between Success and Failure

The experiences of Sehrawat and Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics underscore the thin line between success and failure in competitive sports. Both athletes were at the peak of their abilities, but the challenges of weight management nearly derailed their Olympic dreams. Sehrawat’s success and Phogat’s disappointment highlight the critical importance of meticulous preparation and the need to remain vigilant at every stage of competition.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Wrestling

Building on Success

Sehrawat’s bronze medal is a significant achievement for Indian wrestling, but it also serves as a foundation for future success. With a rich history of wrestling excellence and a growing pool of talented athletes, India is well-positioned to continue its success on the global stage. However, the experiences in Paris also highlight areas for improvement, particularly in the management of athletes’ weight and overall physical conditioning.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Sehrawat’s journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is sure to inspire the next generation of Indian wrestlers. His story of perseverance, hard work, and success against the odds is a powerful message to young athletes across the country. As India continues to nurture and develop its wrestling talent, the future looks bright for the sport.

 A Victory Beyond the Mat

Aman Sehrawat’s bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics is more than just a win in the wrestling arena; it is a victory of the human spirit. His journey, marked by incredible challenges and ultimate triumph, will be remembered as one of the most inspiring stories of these Games. As India celebrates Sehrawat’s success, his story serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with determination, resilience, and the support of a dedicated team. The Paris Olympics may just be the beginning of a new chapter in the legacy of Indian wrestling.

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