Nitesh Siwach's Inspiring Journey to the Asian Games: A Wrestler's Dream

Nitesh Siwach's Path to the Asian Games

New Delhi, September 9: During the trials for the Asian Games, Nitesh Siwach's father made a special trip to witness his son's performance firsthand.

After the event, he shared a memorable piece of advice that has resonated with Nitesh ever since. He recalled, “My father told me that there’s no turning back now; I must aim for a medal at the Asian Games, and then at the Olympics and World Championships. He added, ‘This is a great start for you.’ That statement has stayed with me,” Nitesh reflected.

As a 23-year-old preparing for his inaugural Asian Games, this advice encapsulates a journey that began long before these trials, rooted in a promise made years ago.

Nitesh's wrestling journey is unique. In 2012, he initially went to Pratap School to play kabaddi, a sport he enjoyed. However, upon arrival, he found himself among wrestlers, and it was his father’s dream for him to become a wrestler that encouraged him to switch sports.

“I began wrestling in 2012. My father always envisioned me as a wrestler. I had gone to play kabaddi, but since wrestling was also offered, I decided to pursue it because of my father's aspirations,” he explained.

After two years of training, a knee surgery sidelined him from the sport. This break lasted nearly two years, during which Nitesh assisted his father, a milkman, delivering milk instead of wrestling.

This could have marked the end of his wrestling career. However, during this time, Nitesh contemplated the hours spent on deliveries and wondered what could happen if he dedicated that time back to wrestling. He approached his family with a request: allow him six months to give wrestling another shot.

“I asked my parents and family for six months to try wrestling again,” he said.

They agreed, and within that timeframe, Nitesh secured a medal at the School Nationals. Although it seemed minor, it was a pivotal moment that redirected his path.

Since then, his renewed commitment has led to significant achievements. Nitesh has consistently performed well at the senior level, earning a bronze at the Asian Championships in 2025 and a silver in 2026, showcasing his year-on-year improvement as he approaches his first Asian Games. A three-week training camp in Uzbekistan provided him with crucial experience against top-tier opponents, allowing him to refine his skills.

“The camp in Uzbekistan was an excellent opportunity for us, boosting our confidence for the Asian Games. I focused on improving my ground wrestling during this camp, and I feel stronger in that area now,” he stated.

However, beneath his steady progress lies a significant weight of expectation. Nitesh has been preparing for these Asian Games for several years, and he knows that no wrestler in his weight class has ever medaled at the Games. This reality serves as both motivation and pressure, and he acknowledges its impact on him.

“There’s pressure because people believe I can win a medal. Additionally, there’s the pressure of knowing that no one in my weight category has succeeded at the Games before. I constantly remind myself to give my all. But too much pressure can hinder my performance,” he admitted.

To manage this pressure, he engages in ongoing discussions with his coaches and family, who remind him that performance fluctuates and that setbacks do not define him. Off the mat, Nitesh employs a personal strategy to hold himself accountable by reviewing recordings of his matches to identify areas for improvement.

“When I face challenges, I analyze my videos to pinpoint weaknesses and mistakes. I meticulously review my training footage and strive to correct every detail. I also consult with my coaches and family, who reassure me that my performance will evolve over time,” he shared.

Throughout his injury, the hiatus, and the anticipation for the Asian Games, Nitesh credits the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) for their unwavering support, providing him with everything he needed along the way.

“I am incredibly grateful to IIS; they have ensured that all my needs are met, whether it’s travel for training and competitions, nutrition, physiotherapy, or anything else,” he expressed.

As he prepares to compete in his first Asian Games, Nitesh reflects on the support from his parents and coaches, and he has a simple request for them.

“Please pray for me; I will bring home a gold medal for them. I will wave my country’s flag and sing the national anthem,” he concluded.