After winning 13 CWG medals, India's wrestlers aim for better show at Asian Games

Having put up a great show at the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, the Indian grapplers are now eyeing an even better performance at the upcoming Asian Games, to be held in Incheon, Korea.

Sakshi Kumar, who won a bronze in women’s 58kg freestyle, said a third-place finish at the CWG has given her confidence to do well at the Asian Games as well.

“It was an wonderful experience out there. We were obviously tensed because a lot of people were expecting medals from us, but am happy to have lived up to that,” said Sakshi.

“My next target is Asian Games and then Olympics. We are starting with our camps from tomorrow in Lucknow, and I hope I can bring a gold next time,” she added.

Silver medallist in Men’s 61kg freestyle, Bajrang gave credit to India’s Olympic medallists – Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt – for helping him prepare for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow.

“They are like my brothers. We all practice together at the Chhatrasal Stadium here. So often they give us tips. I think for me that made a real difference,” he said.

“I hope we can continue with our good show at the Asiad also. I have taken lessons from my mistakes and I hope to perform better,” he said.

Navjot Kaur, who won bronze in Women’s 61kg, was happy with her performance at the CWG, but failed to hide her displeasure when asked about the Punjab Government’s failure to provide the athletes with quality coaches.

“The whole nation is supporting us, but I don’t find my own state beside me. Punjab government should give us good coaches but there are no coaches at all. I don’t know why the situation is like this, but it hurts that my own state does not support me,” she complained.

Navjot, however, said that it was exciting to be a part of the mega-event.

“I have been waiting for it for the last two years as I was not selected for the 2010 Delhi edition of the Games. This experience was valuable and I hope to use it in the upcoming Asian Games.”

For 21-year-old Pawan Kumar, CWG was just the beginning and he is now aiming do well at Asiad and 2016 Rio Olympics.

“This medal was my dream. I dreamt about it since my childhood. But this is only the beginning, I hope to return with a gold from Asiad and then put up a good show in the 2016 Olympics,” he concluded.

PTI