Right before the Indian government had decided to put the entire country into lockdown due to coronavirus, Divya Kakran instead of going home had rented a place near her coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s residence in Model Town, New Delhi. It is now, that the effect of that decision can be felt.
“We have all the necessary equipment’s needed to train on the terrace of our place. We train twice a day, focussing on strength and individual techniques,” she says.
The 22-year-old Indian wrestler competes in 68kg and was scheduled to bid her chances at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers. But with the outbreak of COVID-19, the United World Wrestling (UWW) called off the tournament. A few weeks later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also postponed the Tokyo Games to 2021. Due to this, all her plans moved to a back burner.
Sports ministry invites nominations for national sports awards through email
But having an experienced coach like Mestrvirishvili is a blessing in disguise for young Kakran. The Georgian coach has been in India for the past 17 years. He has coached many wrestlers in Georgia and India including two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar. Since 2017, he has been coaching Kakran. Mestrvirishvili understands that everything has to be started from scratch given the current situation and therefore has chalked out a new road map for his apprentice.
“I have a lot of experience with both Indian and Georgian wrestlers. I have coached under many different conditions and now I am using it all to train Divya. In no time she will be back to Olympic-level fitness,” he told WrestlingTV.
“Currently, we are focussing on standing techniques as there are no mats. Once things normalise, we will focus more on improving her strength and technique and how to use them to her advantage against an opponent,” he added.
Kakran, meanwhile, is hoping for normalcy to return soon. She says that it is the longest she has been away from wrestling and it is worrisome. “I have a sparring partner but mat training is not possible in these conditions. It is worrisome but the decisions were taken for the well-being of others and I respect it”.
She knows that despite this, she still has a year to go to get into top form. “I have a year to go to get into shape. Once the lockdown ends, I will train harder to make it to the Indian team for the Olympic Qualifiers,” she concluded.
