Paris Olympics 2024: Aman Sehrawat rekindles hopes for medal, storms India to semifinals in wrestling

New Delhi: Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat has advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 57kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024, following an impressive victory over Albania’s Abarakov Zelimkhan. Competing at the Champ-de-Mars Arena on August 8, the 21-year-old clinched the quarterfinal match with a commanding 12-0 win via technical superiority.

Dominant performance secures semifinal berth

Sehrawat's journey to the semifinals began with an equally dominant performance earlier in the day when he defeated North Macedonia’s Vladimir Egorov 10-0, also by technical superiority. As the sole male wrestler in India’s six-member wrestling contingent, Sehrawat has carried the nation’s hopes on his shoulders, delivering stellar performances throughout the competition.

A tough challenge awaits

In the upcoming semifinal, Sehrawat faces his toughest challenge yet as he prepares to take on top seed Rei Higuchi of Japan. Higuchi, who advanced after defeating Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz in his quarterfinal bout, is a formidable opponent. A victory for Sehrawat would secure a medal for India, bringing the nation closer to Olympic glory.

Indian wrestling contingent's mixed results

Elsewhere, India’s Anshu Malik faced defeat in her Round of 16 bout against America’s Helen Louise Maroulis in the women’s 57kg event, losing 7-2. Malik’s Olympic fate now depends on Maroulis’ progress to the final, as she could still make it to the repechage round. Maroulis has advanced to the semifinals, where she will face Japan’s Tsugumi Sakurai.

Reetika Hooda remains the only other Indian wrestler left in the competition, set to compete in the women’s freestyle 76kg event on August 10. Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat awaits a decision regarding her potential silver medal after her disqualification.