TRAILBLAZERS EP 2 - In conversation with Rahul Aware, Indian freestyle wrestler

Rahul Aware produced a golden performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Australia when he won the gold medal in the 57 kg category and brought pride to the entire nation. He also won a gold medal at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Rahul Aware speaks about the background of wrestlers in India and describes his family’s wrestling background.. His father, a wrestler himself, was the one who taught him the wrestling techniques. Rahul shares the story of how his father inspired him to take up wrestling instead of cricket and make a career in it.

Rahul talks about the disappointment he had to face during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and how he overcame the defeats at the beginning of his wrestling career. He felt that he had not made the most of the opportunity as he was dubbed as a young wrestler ready to shine back then.

Rahul Aware sheds light on how his father dealt with him when Rahul used to lose matches and at one point, also thought of quitting national and international wrestling and compete in the local tournaments since he excelled at wrestling in mud.

He highlights the wrestlers who compete only in mud wrestlers despite having the capability to take part in higher level tournaments as they make good money. However, his coach advised him to continue with national and international tournaments and credits his coach for his success on the mat.

By SportsWallah| 167 views