Aman Sehrawat defeats Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 to claim the bronze medal for India in men's 57kg wrestling at the Paris 2024 Olympics
In a gripping bout against Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz, Aman Sehrawat delivered a remarkable performance to claim a bronze medal in the men's 57kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics. The youngster from Jajjar defeated Darian by a 13-5 margin to secure India's sixth medal in Paris.
The match started with Darian taking an early lead, exploiting a single-leg hold to score the first point. Aman, undeterred, quickly retaliated by targeting Darian's shoulders, pushing him out of the blue zone to gain two points.
The first half of the bout was a back-and-forth affair, with both wrestlers showcasing their skills. By the end of the first half, Aman Sehrawat had edged ahead with a 6-3 lead, thanks to his relentless attacks that saw him pin his opponent twice in quick succession.
As the second half commenced, Darian attempted to regain control, scoring two points with a swift move from behind. However, Aman’s determination shone through as he immediately countered, regaining his lead and extending it further.
With 37 seconds left on the clock, Aman widened the gap to eight points, positioning himself on the brink of victory through technical superiority. The final moments of the bout were all about Aman’s dominance.
Aman Sehrawat pinned Darian once more, sealing the match with a commanding 13-5 scoreline. This victory not only earned him a well-deserved bronze medal but also solidified his place among India's wrestling icons, following in the footsteps of legends like KD Jadhav, Sushil Kumar, and Bajrang Punia.
Aman Sehrawat's rollercoaster journey at the Paris Olympics 2024
Aman Sehrawat's journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 started with two dominant wins. In the round of 16, he faced Vladimir Egorov from North Macedonia. From the very beginning, Aman was in complete control, not giving his opponent any chance to score. He secured a flawless 10-0 victory, making a strong statement about his form and determination.
In the quarter-finals, Aman took on Albania’s Zelimkhan Abakarov. The match started with both wrestlers being cautious, but Aman soon found his rhythm. He capitalized on Zelimkhan’s hesitation, using a clever double ankle hold to take the lead. Aman didn’t stop there; he continued to pile on the points, eventually winning 12-0.
However, in the semis, Aman faced a tough challenge against Japan's top-seeded Rei Higuchi. Despite his best efforts, Aman was overwhelmed by Higuchi's speed and technique, losing 10-0.
Despite the loss, Aman Sehrawat had a chance at a podium finish, which he grabbed in style as India's medal rallied up to six - five bronze and a silver.