Paris Olympics 2024: PM Modi Dials Aman Sehrawat, Congratulates 21-Year-Old For Wrestling Bronze

New Delhi: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated wrestler Aman Sehrawat for winning his first Olympic bronze medal and India’s sixth overall at the Paris Olympics 2024.

PM Modi praised Sehrawat’s dedication, stating, “You’ve fulfilled the nation’s hopes. You made the ‘akhara’ your home, a feat few can match. Your journey is an inspiration to all of India.”

VIDEO | Paris Olympics 2024: PM Modi speaks to wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who won Bronze medal in 57-kg free-style category after defeating Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz 13-5.#Olympics2024WithPTI #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/gnkAPiD9s0

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 10, 2024

Grappler Aman Sehrawat made history by becoming India’s youngest-ever Olympic medallist, securing the bronze in the 57kg freestyle category just weeks after turning 21. His impressive achievement on Friday not only marked a remarkable debut at the Games but also provided a boost to the national wrestling team, which has faced challenges and controversies.

Aman Sehrawat, who celebrated his 21st birthday on July 16, achieved a decisive 13-5 victory over Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz in a thrilling third-place bout. His win not only earned him the bronze medal but also made him India’s youngest-ever Olympic medallist.

Prior to Sehrawat’s achievement, the title of India’s youngest Olympic podium finisher was held by the celebrated P.V. Sindhu, who claimed silver at the 2016 Rio Games at the age of 21 years, one month, and 14 days.

Sehrawat’s remarkable performance, just a month after turning 21, has propelled India to its sixth medal at the Paris Olympics, edging closer to the seven medals achieved at the Tokyo Games. With one silver and five bronze medals secured, including today’s, India is showcasing its strength on the Olympic stage.

“It’s been a long time since I won a medal for my country. I had to do something about it. I would like to say to the people of India that I will definitely win a gold for you in 2028,” said Aman after his triumph.

“The target was gold but I had to be content with bronze this time. I had to forget the semifinal defeat. I told myself, let it go and focus on next. Sushil pehlawan ji won two medals, I will win in 2028 and then in 2032 also,” he added.

The U-23 World Champion, Aman Sehrawat, was the sole Indian male wrestler to qualify for the Paris Games and he delivered in spectacular fashion. His victory ensured that wrestling continues its unbroken medal streak at the Olympics, a tradition maintained since 2008.

This legacy began with Sushil Kumar’s historic bronze in Beijing (2008). Following his trail, Yogeshwar Dutt (2012), Sakshi Malik (2016), and Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia (2021) have all upheld the tradition, with Sehrawat now adding to this proud lineage.

Coach Jagmender Singh and Virender Dahiya revealed they spent a sleepless night meticulously monitoring Sehrawat’s weight.

“We took special precautions to reduce his weight. We kept checking his weight every hour. We didn’t sleep the whole night,” Dahiya said.