Sujeet Kalkal credits coach Shako Bentinidis for Asian Games gold success

Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal has credited his recent Asian Games gold medal performance to a fundamental shift in his tactical approach, driven by the guidance of his coach, Shako Bentinidis. The 23-year-old, who secured the freestyle 65kg title in Nagoya, Japan, emphasized that adopting a consistently aggressive mindset was the primary catalyst for his success on the continental stage.

Kalkal, who was recognized as India’s male athlete of the Games, noted that his coach identified a need for greater intensity following previous international outings. By focusing on constant pressure from the opening whistle of every bout, Kalkal was able to dominate his opponents and secure the top spot on the podium during his debut appearance at the event.

The coach provided the technical corrections and repetitive training necessary to refine the maneuver, allowing Kalkal to deploy it successfully during the Asian Games. This technical addition complemented his existing strength in ground wrestling, providing him with a more versatile offensive strategy that proved decisive in his path to the gold medal.

Having moved past that setback, Kalkal has maintained a prolific form, securing four international gold medals throughout the current year. His focus has now shifted toward the upcoming World Championships in Astana. Regarding his preparation, the wrestler remains grounded, viewing his professional success as the ultimate celebration. He noted that his father, Dayanand, emphasizes that winning gold medals for India is the most significant achievement, effectively serving as his own personal celebration regardless of the calendar.