Bentinidis Shako interview: ‘Indian wrestlers are at 40 per cent of potential’

In the 2026 Asian Games, the Indian wrestling team achieved its best performance since 1962, securing two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Freestyle wrestlers were responsible for half of these victories, with Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal winning gold, and Deepak Punia claiming bronze. Sagar Jaglan, a younger competitor, defeated Olympic champion Razambek Jamalov of Uzbekistan in the repechage but was unable to secure a bronze medal.

Freestyle coach Bentinidis Shako spoke exclusively to The Indian Express about the team's performance. Shako expressed satisfaction with the results, acknowledging that the wrestlers showed their potential. He highlighted that Aman and Sujeet are exceptional athletes, with Aman being one of the best conditioned wrestlers and Sujeet known for his technical prowess and aggressive approach.

Shako noted that Deepak Punia's performance was particularly commendable, as he competed in a heavier weight category than usual and still managed to secure a bronze. He emphasized that the team has the necessary components to succeed, but they need to improve their mindset. Shako believes that the short gap between the Asian Games and World Championships will be challenging for the Indian wrestlers, as they will face more experienced opponents.

However, he is confident in Sujeet's readiness for the challenge, citing his love for wrestling and ongoing success. Shako also acknowledged the importance of rest for Aman, suggesting that he should focus on the qualification year to allow his body to recover from the intense schedule of upcoming tournaments. Looking ahead to the 2028 LA Olympics, Shako remains optimistic about the team's potential, stating that they have a solid foundation to build upon.

He hopes that the Indian wrestlers can secure the necessary quotas to compete at the 2027 World Championships, as this will alleviate the pressure of meeting multiple qualification requirements. With dedicated effort and a strong mindset, Shako is convinced that Indian wrestlers are only 40% of their potential and aims to see them reach their full capacity by the time the 2028 Olympics arrive.