Abhimanyou Mandwal is setting his sights firmly on Olympic success after a remarkable comeback from injury, drawing inspiration from Ravi Dahiya as he aims to build consistency at the highest level of international wrestling.
Fresh off his triumph as the Asian champion in the 70kg freestyle category, the 24-year-old wrestler is now focused on translating his potential into sustained success on bigger stages, including the Olympics.
Mandwal’s journey to the top has been far from straightforward. After previously winning bronze at the Asian Championships and clinching the Asian Under-23 title, his progress was halted by a serious ankle injury that kept him out of the 2024 and 2025 World Championships.
“My left ankle was broken. It was really bad, my bone was cracked,” Mandwal said, recalling the difficult phase. He underwent rehabilitation at JSW and spent nearly a year recovering, working equally on his mental strength to return to competition.
The setback, however, did not deter him. Mandwal returned stronger, winning gold at the National Championships and following it up with another impressive victory at the Zagreb Open Ranking Series earlier this year. His experience in the Pro Wrestling League also proved valuable, helping him identify areas for improvement, particularly in strength and stamina.
Hailing from a wrestling family in Shamsukh village in Haryana’s Hisar district, Mandwal’s roots in the sport run deep. He was enrolled at the renowned Chhatrasal Stadium in 2012 by his uncle, shortly after the loss of his father — a turning point that shaped his career.
Mandwal credits his development to the guidance of his coaches, including Lalit Kumar, and the influence of Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya, with whom he once shared accommodation. He admires Dahiya’s discipline and mindset, qualities he hopes to emulate in his own journey.
Now, Mandwal faces a crucial decision regarding his weight category. While 70kg remains part of the World Championships, the Asian Games feature the 74kg division: an Olympic weight class he is keen to transition into.
With both major events scheduled close together this year, Mandwal knows careful planning will be essential. However, his long-term focus is clear.
“The main goal is the 2028 Olympics,” he said, signalling his determination to rise through the ranks and establish himself among the world’s elite.
