Lalit Sehrawat: Rising Star in Greco-Roman Wrestling Overcomes Adversity

A Journey of Resilience

Lalit Sehrawat, a Greco-Roman wrestler, has recently gained attention after securing India's first silver medal in this discipline at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. His life story is one of overcoming significant challenges. Losing his mother at the tender age of two left a profound impact on his childhood. His father, unable to cope with the loss, turned to alcohol and passed away in 2023. Despite these hardships, Lalit chose the demanding path of Greco-Roman wrestling, known for its technical complexity. "I don't recall much from my childhood," he shared with Sports Now, reflecting on his upbringing in Kheri Sadh village, located in Haryana's Rohtak district.

While many children in similar situations might struggle to find direction, Lalit discovered his passion for wrestling during his school years. He was determined to rise above his circumstances and found unexpected support along the way.

A Historic Debut

At just 23 years old, Lalit made a remarkable debut at the Asian Wrestling Championships in the 55kg Greco-Roman category. He made headlines by defeating Shi Huoying of China, a top seed and 2025 World Championships medallist, in the semifinals. Although an elbow injury hindered his performance against Uzbekistan's Ikhtiyor Botirov in the final, preventing him from claiming gold, his silver medal marked a significant milestone in his career. "In Greco-Roman wrestling, passivity is often called, and that’s what happened in the final. I had to go down due to my elbow injury, which was already painful," Lalit explained.

Finding His Path

Growing up in Panipat, Lalit faced a lack of wrestling culture in his community. His life took a pivotal turn when he enrolled in a Gurukul school in Jhajjar, where he trained under Pawan Shastri. It was here that he met Vijay Gahlawat, a Greco-Roman wrestler who became both a mentor and an inspiration for him. Vijay, a silver medallist at the Junior World Championships, played a crucial role in Lalit's wrestling journey.

A Supportive Family

Vijay's entry into Lalit's life was transformative. When Vijay joined the Indian Navy in 2015, he brought Lalit into the Raipur Sports Academy, where he became part of the Gahlawat family. This support system was vital for Lalit, who trained alongside Navy wrestlers, enhancing his skills in Greco-Roman wrestling, which emphasizes technique over brute strength. "I first met Lalit in the Gurukul school. He used to watch us wrestle and then joined in. I told him that if he needed anything, I was there for him," Vijay recalled.

Challenges and Aspirations

As a sportsperson in India, Lalit faces numerous challenges, including financial constraints. While he now receives institutional support from the Indian Navy, the Gahlawat family played a crucial role during his formative years. "We didn't know if he would become an international wrestler, but we felt it was our duty to help him. He is like a son to me," said Joginder Gahlawat, Vijay's father.

Lalit explained the financial burden of maintaining a wrestling career, estimating costs between Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. This includes nutrition, fitness maintenance, and injury recovery. The Gahlawat family's support was instrumental during his early years, as many athletes in India only receive help after achieving success.

Looking Ahead

With the Asian Championships medal under his belt, Lalit has gained recognition in his village, inspiring local children to pursue wrestling. His immediate goal is to compete in the Asian Games, with aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, he must move up to the 60kg category, which presents a challenge as he will compete against Vijay, who already holds that weight.

"Increasing weight involves building muscle mass and adjusting my diet," Lalit noted. His coach, Kuldeep Singh Malik, has identified areas for improvement, particularly in ground wrestling and strength. Lalit’s rigorous training schedule includes two three-hour sessions daily, alongside managing his own meals.