Exclusive : Rahul Aware speaks to WrestlingTV says coming back to 57kg

The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics has given Rahul Balasaheb Aware a new lease of life. Now, he believes he should be allowed to compete for the Olympic spot. The 28-year-old wrestler has declared that he will challenge Ravi Dahiya in the 57kg weight class if Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) holds trials.

Aware who won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in 57kg has been competing in the 61kg after losing the spot to Dahiya due to injury. He made his comeback in 2019 and won a bronze medal at 2019 World Championships and 2020 Asian Championships. Dahiya on the other hand, has been India’s number one wrestler 57kg. It was his medal-winning performance in Nur-Sultan World Championships which secured an Olympic berth for India.

But now with a year to go, Aware thinks it would be fair to select a wrestler for the Olympic berth based on his recent form rather than the past performances.

WrestlingTV: How do you feel about the Olympics getting postponed to 2021?

Rahul: It is the right decision. The International Olympic Committee took this decision in the interest of the people. It was impossible to host the Games considering the current scenario due to Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, I am glad they rescheduled it.

WrestlingTV: With the Olympics postponed, will you ask the Wrestling Federation of India for trials? If so, in which category would you participate in?

Rahul: I will talk to WFI once the 21-days lockdown is over. I am hoping they will hold trials. If they do, I will participate in the 57kg weight class.

WrestlingTV: Ravi Dahiya also plays in the 57kg, how do you think you will compete against him?

Rahul: Yes, he is a good wrestler but I have been training hard too. I am in good form and working on my shortcomings. Besides, I have beaten Ravi in the national trials for the 2018 Commonwealth Games by technical superiority.

Also, if the Games are postponed, I think they should re-hold the trials and select the fittest wrestler because with such a long gap between competitions anyone can lose their form, and this applies to Ravi too.

WrestlingTV:  What are the weaknesses you are working on?

Rahul: I am training on my ground attack. Also, I am working on mental strength. I had lost focus in the Asian Championships which had cost me a chance to win gold. I was under pressure to perform well. So, I am now working on how to handle pressure under stressful conditions.

WrestlingTV: Apart from Ravi, who do you think will be you, challengers, in 57kg?

Rahul: I think Utkarsh is another tough competitor in the weight class. But I have not followed him a lot, so will have to wait and watch.