Wrestling

Nitesh Siwach eyes Asian Games glory after unconventional path to wrestling

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 11, 2026, 11:56 IST

Greco-Roman wrestler Nitesh Siwach reflects on his journey from a two-year hiatus and milk delivery work to his debut at the Asian Games, fueled by his father's dream and a renewed commitment to the sport.

Nitesh Siwach eyes Asian Games glory after unconventional path to wrestling

For 23-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler Nitesh Siwach, the road to his maiden Asian Games appearance has been anything but conventional. Having navigated a two-year hiatus from the sport and a period working alongside his father as a milkman, the wrestler is now preparing to represent his country on the continental stage. The journey, which began with a reluctant shift from kabaddi to wrestling at his father's urging, has transformed into a dedicated pursuit of international success.

The pivotal moment in his career arrived when he requested a six-month window from his family to prove his potential after his time away from the mat. That brief period of intense focus resulted in a medal at the School Nationals, effectively reigniting his competitive career. Since then, Siwach has steadily climbed the ranks, securing a bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Championships followed by a silver in 2026, setting the stage for his current Asian Games campaign.

From milk delivery to the international mat

Siwach’s path was interrupted early on by a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly two years. During this time, he traded his wrestling gear for the daily routine of a milk delivery route to support his family. Reflecting on that period, he credits his parents for their unwavering support and his own determination to return to the sport he once nearly abandoned. His father, who had long harbored the dream of seeing his son become a successful wrestler, remains a central figure in his motivation.

Following his qualification for the Asian Games, his father’s words have served as a constant reminder of his goals. According to Siwach, his father told him that there is no looking back and that he must aim for medals at the Asian Games, the World Championships, and the Olympics. This encouragement has helped him manage the weight of expectation, particularly as he prepares to compete in a weight category where no athlete has previously secured a medal at the Games.

Refining technique and managing pressure

To prepare for the challenges ahead, Siwach recently completed a three-week training camp in Uzbekistan. The experience proved vital for his development, allowing him to focus specifically on improving his ground wrestling, an area he identified as a weakness. He noted that the exposure to high-quality international opposition has significantly boosted his confidence heading into the tournament.

Despite the pressure of representing his country, Siwach maintains a disciplined approach to his performance. He regularly reviews recordings of his own bouts to identify technical errors and maintains open communication with his coaches and family to navigate the natural fluctuations in his form. Supported by the Inspire Institute of Sport, which has provided essential resources ranging from nutrition to physiotherapy, the wrestler remains focused on his ultimate objective. As he prepares for his debut, his goal is clear: to secure a gold medal and bring pride to his nation.