This World Cup will tell me how prepared I am for Tokyo Olympics: Ravi Dahiya

Indian Wrestler Ravi Dahiya, who won a Gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship in February earlier this year, is determined to carry his good form into the ongoing Individual Wrestling World Cup in Belgrade, Syria. Dahiya has trained under the supervision of two-time Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar and is highly optimistic about doing well in this competition and the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics as well.

“I am in good form. I will give my best in the World Cup. A medal at the World Cup will be a huge boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. This World Cup will tell me how prepared I am for the Olympics. This tournament will show what my current level is. I just want to go, learn and give my best,” Dahiya was quoted as saying in an interview by Timesofindia.com.

Dahiya thinks the ability of handling pressure is going to be very important in the upcoming contests. He didn’t forget to credit Sushil Kumar, who was always available for Dahiya whenever he reached out to him at the Chhatrasal Stadium.

“I maintained continuity in my training and practice. The stadiums and training centres were closed due to COVID-19. I knew I didn’t have to participate in any tournament but I didn’t miss anything as part of my routine. I trained and practiced the way I usually do. I am so happy and excited international wrestling is back. I am ready and prepared for this big tournament. I am confident of putting in a good performance,” the 23-year-old wrestler said.

Dahiya won a Bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships in Nur Sultan to book his place in the Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed to 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But that hasn’t deterred Dahiya even a bit from his goal.

“I went to my village for 10 days during the lockdown and then returned back to the stadium (Chhatrasal Stadium). Sushil bhaisaab was there with me. Whenever I have any doubts, I reach him. He is a legend of the game. He has a solution for everything. He always says one thing to me “apne lakshya pe date raho” (Always focus on your goals). He says there is no alternative to hard work. He has given me a lot of tips for the World Cup and Olympics,” Ravi signed off.