Asian Games bronze medallist Greco Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar has been persistently successful medals on the continental degree and is raring to make his mark within the Paris Olympics.
Sunil, who has received a gold and silver apiece and two bronze medals within the Asian championships in the previous few years and earned a podium end within the Hangzhou Asian Games to finish the nation’s 13-year-old medal drought, asserted his supremacy as soon as once more on the home degree by claiming the 87kg title within the National wrestling championships on the Railway Stadium right here.
Now, Sunil needs to shift gears for the upcoming Asian qualifying event for the Olympics in April. “My target is to qualify (for the Olympics) in the Asian qualifying event. To prepare for that, I will travel with a training partner to Azerbaijan to train there for 25 days. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is supporting me in this,” Sunil informed The Hindu.
“In our country, it is hard to find good sparring partners. In Greco Roman wrestling, ground wrestling is important. It is easier to find good sparring partners in Azerbaijan. They conduct camps in which wrestlers from various countries participate. I keep in touch with the coaches over there and one such interaction helped me find this opportunity,” mentioned Sunil, who would depart for his abroad camp on Thursday.
Following a memorable 2023, during which he received an Asian Games medal and bagged the celebrated Arjuna award, the 25-year-old Sunil is motivated to boost his efficiency. “I was delighted that I could win an Asian Games medal for the country after 13 years. This will inspire other wrestlers to work hard and bring laurels. I will also try to win more medals for the country in upcoming major events.”
Nurturing a winner’s perspective has additionally boosted Sunil. “Before a bout, I tell myself that when the bout ends my hand should go up. The scores can be up and down during a fight, but I focus on winning the bout. I begin slowly and don’t get aggressive from the very start. My stamina is my strength.”
Sharing his success mantra which has enabled him to be constant, Sunil mentioned, “An athlete has to set his own targets and do a lot of sacrifices and work with dedication in order to achieve something significant. I keep on doing that. The countrymen’s love and goodwill also inspire me,” mentioned Sunil.
