Wrestling

For Maharashtra’s Rahul Aware, the grind continues

India’s 30 wrestler strong contingent at the Wrestling World Championsling in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan created history, as five wrestlers went on to capture medals in their respective weight categories, making it India’s most successful foray at the event. While the usual suspects, like Bajrang and Deepak Punia as well as Vinesh Phogat headed the list of India’s medal winners, rookie competitor Ravi Dahiya and veteran Rahul Aware surprised a few with their wins. However, there’s something else as well that makes Aware stand out from the rest of the pack.

While the other four winners hail from wrestling powerhouse Haryana, Aware is from Beed in Maharashtra, not quite known from its grappling prowess. Aware is the first Indian born in Maharashtra to capture a medal at the World Championships. And while his victory was one that etched his name in history, it came at a cost.

The 61 kg category that Aware competed in is not an official Olympic weight category. Aware usually fights in the 57 kg category but decided to try his hand in the 61 kg at the Championships. His decision opened a spot for Dahiya, who went on to clinch bronze and booked his berth for the Olympics, knocking Aware out of contention. Aware’s options are further limited as World No.1 Bajrang Punia grapples in the 65 kg category and has also sealed his place on the plane to Tokyo in 2020. These results meant Aware is likely to take in his Olympics experience from afar. But according to the 27-year-old, he has no regrets.

“I faltered at the last hurdle in several top events. Since I was capable, I won this medal. Better late than never,” Aware said in an interview. “I will try for (to qualify) in the next Olympics. Nowadays wrestlers are stretching their career up to 38-40 years. Sushil Kumar is a prime example. One has to stay away from injuries to have a long career.”

Aware, also a Commonwealth gold medalist and a deputy superintendent under the sports quota in his state, wants to take his impact beyond the wrestling mat. He hopes to open a wrestling school to re-establish Maharashtra as an Indian wrestling powerhouse and hopes to get state aid to get his project underway. His Olympics dream may have faded for now, but Aware hopes to make good use of his position to ensure a bright future for his state and his nation.

Written by: Sportz Interactive

Related Post
Share
Published by
Website Admin

Recent Posts

Novak Djokovic ‘honoured’ to have rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic said it was his honour to share the epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal.… Read More

November 22, 2024

Robert Lewandowski names Sergio Ramos as his most ‘favourite and difficult’ opponent to face

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as his most… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola signs Manchester City extension through 2027

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension with the club till… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024