‘Still can’t believe…’ Aman Sehrawat’s first reaction after historic bronze win at Paris Olympics 2024

Paris Olympics 2024: After clinching the bronze medal in the 57 kg freestyle wrestling event at the ongoing Paris Olympics, Indian grappler Aman Sehrawat said that he still couldn't believe that he won a medal for his country.

 Sehrawat, making his Olympic debut, secured the medal with a 13-5 victory over Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz on Friday, marking India's first wrestling medal at the Paris 2024 Games.

Speaking to media sources,  Aman said that he was hoping for the gold medal but was still happy to bag the bronze in the wrestling event.

 "I am very happy and I still can't believe that I have won a medal for the country at the Olympics... I was hoping for the gold but I am happy with bronze as well...," Aman said.

The 21-year-old wrestler added that it was a 'speechless' moment after standing on the Olympic podium. The youngster further added that his next target will to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Olympics.

 "It was a speechless moment when I stood on the podium... from today, my next target will be to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and 2026 Asian Games," he added.

 Aman Sehrawat becomes the 6th Indian wrestler to medal at the Olympics.

The match began with the Puerto Rican wrestler taking control by securing Aman's leg and pushing him out of the blue zone, earning the first point. However, Aman quickly responded by targeting Darian's shoulders, forcing him out of the zone and scoring two points.

Darian Toi regained the lead by capturing Aman's legs and securing two more points. As the first three minutes concluded, Aman managed to take the lead once more in the bronze medal bout.

With just 37 seconds left in the match, Aman secured two additional points, putting him on the brink of winning with technical superiority. Despite a last-ditch effort by Darian, he conceded another point in the end.

Earlier in the semi-final, Aman faced a tough challenge against Japan's Rei Higuchi. The Japanese wrestler dominated the match, defeating Aman with a swift 10-0 victory by technical superiority, advancing to the gold medal match. Despite this setback, Aman had another opportunity to compete for the bronze medal.

Aman reached the semi-finals after a dominant performance, securing a 12-0 victory by technical superiority against Albania's Zelimkhan Abakanov. He earned his first point due to Abakanov's passivity and followed up with a takedown to lead 3-0 in the first period. In the second period, Aman showcased his skills, securing his place in the final four.

Earlier on Thursday, Aman advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating former European champion Vladimir Egorov with a commanding 10-0 win by technical superiority.