Grappler Sujeet Kalkal confident to secure Olympic spot, defeat Bajrang Punia

Sujeet Kalkal has to work extra harder to achieve his goals of winning major international medals, as he competes in the same weight category (65kg) as superstar grappler Bajrang Punia. But, his recent performances suggest he can actually pull it off.

KALKAL IS AMONGST THE WRESTLERS WHO TRIED TO DOMINATE THE 65KG DIVISION IN PUNIA’S ABSENCE

Bajrang Punia was one of the voices of the protest against the association and, in extension, the government headed by some of the top wrestlers in the nation. Thus, he could not participate in most tournaments last year. While he has finally set his sight on a return to the wrestling mat, a fact confirmed by his recent travels to Dagestan, the home of top-tier wrestling practice, he has some work to do before he can return to his previous level.

During Punia’s absence, several wrestlers in his 65kg category tried to take his place, including Kalkal, but mostly to no avail. Kalkal, alongside other notable grapplers such as Vishal Kaliraman and Rohit Rahil, has tried to prove his dominance over the 65kg category, to limited success.

THE YOUNG WRESTLER IS SATISFIED WITH HIS PROGRESS

Kalkal won the National Championship with relative ease, and seems quite satisfied with his progress. He thinks he is on the right track, and after the Olympic trials, he wants to go on a foreign training tour (presumably Dagestan, where the creme de la creme of Indian wrestling has trained over the years).

“I am satisfied with my progress. The first test was the national championships, and I was able to win the title without much difficulty. It shows that I am on the right track. The selection trials for Olympic qualifiers will be tough but I think I am ready. I am also planning to train abroad after the trials,” he said to Hindustan Times.

Kalkal previously lost to Punia once but thinks that he has changed and, being more confident, can actually prove to be the victor of a future match between him and the Olympic medalist.

“It was in 2022 and I was still a junior. I didn’t have the confidence that I could take on someone like Bajrang. I think I have more confidence now and I am better prepared,” he noted.

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