EXCLUSIVE | ‘Fear may never completely go away’: Sujeet Kalkal on turning Olympic heart into Asian Games gold

Sujeet Kalkal (Image credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Two years ago, Sujeet Kalkal was stuck at the Dubai International Airport, watching his Olympic dream slip away by the hour.Kalkal, on his way to Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek for the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament, was stranded in Dubai for three days after his travel plans were disrupted by floods. By the time the flight was arranged, it was too late. He couldn’t get to Bishkek in time and with it went his chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics.Two years later, the disappointment of Dubai was replaced by gold from the Asian Games. Kalkal, the world number two in the men’s 65kg category, fought off 2-9 against Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the final to win 10-9, ending India’s eight-year wait for a wrestling gold at the Games.The comeback was symbolic of how Kalkal’s career has been since that Olympic setback. He had to rebuild, overcome disappointment and find his way back to the biggest stages. He did it on Sunday with a title at the Asian Games.When the final whistle blew, Kalkal clasped his hands, looked up and thanked God. Then on the arena bike with the Indian tricolor draped around his shoulders, with tears and a big smile.For a wrestler who was once denied even a chance to fight for an Olympic spot, the moment carried little more weight than an Asian Games gold.“This gold means a lot to me. Not just because it’s an Asian Games gold, but because there’s so much behind this medal. The last few years have had many ups and downs and I’ve missed a few opportunities, but I’ve never lost faith in myself,” Kalkal told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview on his way back to Imlota village in Bhiwani, Haryana, where his parents were waiting to welcome him.

Sujeet Kalkal (Image credit: PTI)

The Dubai episode, he says, is now behind him. The lesson remains – and a much bigger goal.“It was very difficult for me to miss Paris, but this experience strengthened me instead of breaking me. LA 2028 is obviously a very big goal for me,” said Kalkal.And he is clear about what he wants from the opportunity. “If you’re going to the Olympics, don’t just go there brother. Go there to win gold.”India have not won a wrestling gold at the Asian Games since 2018. Kalkal’s win ended that wait and added another major title to a career that already includes the U-23 World Championship crown, Asian Championship success and Zagreb Open triumph.“India won the wrestling gold at the Asian Games after eight years, so being a part of that is very special for me. This medal reminds me that if you keep working hard, your time will come,” he said.The road to the Asian Games gold was not easy for Kalkal. He had a tough draw, but he handled every match with confidence.After a comfortable opening win, he made it to the quarter-finals by knocking down Iran’s Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi from a standing position in the opening 20 seconds.The semi-finals provided an even bigger test, but Kalkal overcame Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyook to move into contention for the gold.Then came the final against Abdulmazhid Kudiev of Tajikistan and it looked like the toughest challenge of all.Instead of letting the deficit affect him, Kalkal fought his way back into the contest. He produced eight points to turn a seven-point deficit into a 10-9 victory to seal the Asian Games title.“The simple plan was to wrestle my way and not be overwhelmed by the name of my opponent. Be it an Olympic champion, world champion or whoever, everyone starts from scratch on the mat. I just believed in my preparation and my strength. I knew that if I gave my best, I could beat anyone. Instead of thinking too much during the match, I just had to fight for every single point,” he said.

Sujeet Kalkal during the gold medal match (Image credit: PTI)

Kalkal also donated gold to the earth and remembered his father who stood by him throughout his journey.“I dedicate this gold to all of India. My first call was of course to my father. He has supported me immensely throughout this journey and without his support it would not have been possible for me to reach this point. His support will always remain with me,” said the Indian wrestler.The finale also reflected a mental change, as Kalkal says, from the disappointment of 2024.“Fear may never go away completely, but now I know how to fight fear. When you go through tough situations in life, the little things stop bothering you. What happened in Dubai, missing out on Olympic qualification – every experience has taught me something,” said the Indian wrestler.“I don’t run from pressure now. I enjoy the pressure because those are the moments when you realize how strong you really are,” Kalkal said.The Asian Games gold now adds to Kalkal’s already impressive list of achievements, but he is not dwelling on the medals he has already won. The next destination is Los Angeles. And this time, he wants to get there on his own terms.“I have to go get the gold.