Indian wrestlers should be positive and courageous, advises Alka Tomar

Alka Tomar, the first Indian woman to land a World championships medal, feels the country needs to focus on winning more wrestling medals at the 2032 Olympics and increase it further in 2036, as India is keen to host the mega event after 10 years.

The year 2032 is a personal target for Alka, who runs an academy of under-14 kids at Sisolia in Meerut district and wants to see her wards make their mark in the Olympics. She says the country would also benefit if it focuses on a similar goal.

“We are hoping to host the Olympics… we would like to do well there. Our target should be the 2032 and 2036 Olympics. Every wrestler needs to develop a positive mindset,” Arjuna award winner Alka told The Hindu while witnessing nearly 1200 wrestlers, reflecting the country’s depth in talent, compete at the open ranking tournament here.

As wrestling is expected to return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games, India, as the host, should try to secure as many medals as possible and boost its tally, feels Alka.

A 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games champion, Alka fondly remembers her famous upset win over multiple Olympic medallist Tonya Verbeek of Canada in the 59kg final and wants her wards to learn from her strong mindset.

“I still get goosebumps. My guruji had told me to forget that I was fighting an Olympic medallist. Tonya’s coach had told my coach that she would wrap up the bout in one-and-a-half minutes. Tonya had beaten me earlier. I trained well and was prepared. I just applied a technique (from a difficult position) and pinned her. With the home crowd backing vociferously, it was a surreal feeling,” said Alka.

Even her 2006 Worlds bronze medal, despite fitness issues, was the result of Alka’s strong resolve. She gave eventual champion Ayako Shoda a run for her money before losing, but secured a podium finish to end India’s 39-year wait.

Alka wants her trainees to get inspired by her stories and heed her advice to excel. “I tell them about fighting spirit and not to take any shortcuts (doping),” said Alka.