Less than a month after turning 21, Aman became India’s youngest-ever Olympic medalist by clinching the bronze in the 57kg freestyle category.His memorable debut at the Games not only marked a personal milestone but also lifted the spirits of a national wrestling contingent marred by controversy.
Sehrawat, who turned 21 on July 16, secured a dominating 13-5 victory over Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz in a high-intensity bronze medal match.
Prior to this, the celebrated PV Sindhu held the distinction of being India’s youngest Olympic medalist, having won silver at the 2016 Games at the age of 21 years, one month, and 14 days.
Sehrawat’s performance contributed to India’s sixth medal acquisition, bringing the nation nearer to matching its achievement of seven medals at the Tokyo Games. With today’s addition, the country’s current haul stands at one silver and five bronze.
“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,” the youngster, who was raised by his grandfather after losing his parents as a child, said 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 enthusiastically.
Since Sushil Kumar’s bronze at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, India has consistently won a wrestling medal at every Games. Sushil followed up with a silver in London 2012, where Yogeshwar Dutt also secured a bronze. The tradition continued with Sakshi Malik in Rio 2016, and Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia in Tokyo 2021.
