From Sportstar · Jonathan Selvaraj · · 2m
Blood, sweat & gold: Aman Sehrawat finds hunger for glory again
Aman Sehrawat wins Asian Games gold after overcoming suspension and weight struggles.
In brief
Aman Sehrawat wins Asian Games gold after overcoming suspension and weight struggles. Aman Sehrawat claimed his first Asian Games gold medal in the 57kg freestyle category after overcoming a suspension and weight cut challenges. Originally reported by Sportstar.
Aman Sehrawat wins Asian Games gold
Aman Sehrawat defeated world champion Han Chong-song of North Korea 11-7 to claim his first Asian Games title in Nagoya.
“Pata bhi nahi kab hua yeh (I don’t know when these even happened)”
Fight tested Aman's character
Han Chong-song tried to break Aman's momentum by feigning injury and making an incredible comeback, but Aman prevailed.
“It was a fight that tested all aspects of his character.”
Physical toll of victory
Aman's face showed signs of the battle: blood on his lip, bruises under his eyes, and crimson scratches on his neck.
“The signs of Aman Sehrawat’s Saturday battle were etched across his face.”
Aman's first Asian Games medal
Aman won his first Asian Games gold medal after defeating Han Chong-song, the reigning world champion from North Korea.
“He had beaten Han Chong-song, the reigning world champion from North Korea.”
Previous Asian Games performance
Aman had won bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was the first Indian to win a second medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle category.
“It was an improvement on the bronze he won in Hangzhou.”
Weight cut challenges
Aman skipped food and drink the night before competition to cut a kilo over the weight limit, ending up 200 grams under the limit.
“When you don’t eat or drink you stay up all night.”
2025 World Championships suspension
Aman was disqualified from the 2025 World Championships after failing to make weight, a setback he described as an 'ajeeb saal' (strange year).
“It was perhaps the most painful incident in a season he simply described as an ‘ajeeb saal’ (strange year).”
Motivation after suspension
Aman regained motivation through friends and the understanding that winning multiple medals is more significant than a single Olympic medal.
“It’s not such a big deal to win a medal. To maintain your level and keep winning is what is special.”
Wrestling academy background
Aman lived in a 50 sq. ft. room at New Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium after losing both parents, where a wall read 'If it was easy, everyone would do it.'
“If it was easy, everyone would do it.”
Stomach issues and trials
Aman missed Indian trials for the Asian Championships due to a stomach issue, then won trials to go to the World Championships.
“At that time I wondered what had happened to me.”
2023 performance struggles
Aman conceded six early points in the semifinal against Japan’s Toshihiro Hasegawa and lost the match in 2023.
“I used to concede a lot of points because my defence was weak.”
2026 Asian Games victory
Aman won the final against Han Chong-song with two late takedowns, securing his first Asian Games gold medal.
“Two late takedowns sealed the match for the Indian.”
Hunger for glory returns
Aman said his hunger for glory has returned after overcoming past struggles and suspension.
“There was a time when I didn’t have a lot of motivation. But now that hunger has come once again.”
Here's the gist
Aman Sehrawat claimed his first Asian Games gold medal in the 57kg freestyle category after overcoming a suspension and weight cut challenges.
