Aman Clinches India’s 20th Gold Medal, Fourth Gold of the Day

Aichi-Nagoya, October 3 (HS): India’s Aman Sehrawat created history at the 2026 Asian Games by defeating reigning world champion Han Chong Song of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) 11-7 to win the gold medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling category. The victory marks India’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle category.

Ranked 32nd in the world, Sehrawat overcame top seed and 2025 world champion Han Chong Song 11-7 on points in the final. The contest was closely fought in the opening stages, with both wrestlers remaining level early on. Sehrawat was the first to get on the scoreboard and establish an advantage.

After the bout was briefly interrupted because of an injury, Sehrawat quickly extended his lead to 6-1. However, following another stoppage caused by an injury, the North Korean wrestler launched a strong comeback and moved ahead after scoring successive takedowns against Sehrawat.

With the contest entering its decisive phase, Sehrawat produced a superb move with less than a minute remaining, turning Han Chong Song over and securing crucial points. The Indian wrestler then held on to his advantage to seal an 11-7 victory.

Aman’s Second Asian Games Medal

This is Aman Sehrawat’s second Asian Games medal. He had won a bronze medal in the same 57kg category at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Han Chong Song had also won a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

With this gold, Sehrawat has become the first Indian wrestler to win an Asian Games gold medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle category. The medal is also India’s second gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2026 Asian Games, following Sujeet Kalkal’s victory in the men’s 65kg category. Sehrawat’s triumph is India’s fourth wrestling medal at these Games.

Lost Both Parents at a Young Age; Wrestling Gave Him a New Direction

Aman Sehrawat has forged an international career after overcoming difficult personal circumstances. He lost both his parents by the age of 11. Wrestling subsequently became a source of purpose and direction in his life. Inspired by Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, he began training at Delhi’s renowned Chhatrasal Stadium, where he developed his aggressive wrestling style under the guidance of coach Lalit Kumar.

In 2022, Sehrawat made history by winning gold at the U-23 World Wrestling Championships in Spain, becoming the first Indian wrestler to win the title at the competition. He subsequently strengthened his credentials at the senior level by winning gold at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan.

Made History at the Paris Olympics

The biggest international milestone of Sehrawat’s career before the 2026 Asian Games came at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing as India’s sole male wrestler at the Games, Sehrawat defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 in the men’s 57kg freestyle bronze-medal bout. At 21 years and 24 days, he became the youngest Indian to win an individual Olympic medal.

Now, by defeating the reigning world champion at the 2026 Asian Games, Sehrawat has added a historic Asian Games gold medal to his growing collection of international honours.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar