Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 23: Georgian coach Shako Bentinidis has returned to Indian wrestling with a larger mission — to build what he calls a “champion character” among wrestlers and revive India’s men’s freestyle fortunes ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.

After helping Bajrang Punia transform into an Olympic medallist during his earlier stint as personal coach, Shako has now been appointed men’s freestyle national coach by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

“We go next level now,” Shako said after taking charge.

His appointment is part of a major overhaul in Indian wrestling, with Japan’s Kosei Akaishi set to take charge of the women’s team, Russia’s Gogi Koguashvili to oversee the Greco-Roman programme, and USA’s Ian Butler named High Performance Director. Once formalities are completed, the all-foreign coaching set-up is expected to begin work in May.

Shako takes over at a crucial time for Indian wrestling. While India has won six Olympic medals in men’s freestyle across the last five Games, concerns have grown over stagnation, especially after only Aman Sehrawat qualified in the category for the Paris Olympics.

Calling Indian wrestlers physically gifted, Shako said the key gap lies in mindset.

“Indian wrestlers have stamina, they have power, but they need a winning character. A champion’s mentality,” he said, invoking the Hollywood film Gladiator to explain his philosophy.

“He is never thinking about losing, always going for the win. I want Indian wrestlers to think like that.”

He stressed that Indian wrestlers must train more internationally, compete against top wrestlers from Russia, Georgia and the United States, and move beyond the comfort zones of traditional akharas.

His immediate priority, he said, would be to organise international camps to expose Indian wrestlers to varied styles and help remove any inferiority complex against established wrestling nations.

“The first time you train with them, you win a point. Next time, you win a match. Then comes the mentality of a champion,” he said.

Shako also spoke of enforcing greater discipline within the Indian system, recalling a lack of seriousness he had noticed during his earlier tenure at the Sports Authority of India centre in Sonepat.

“Without discipline, no chance,” he said, insisting elite success required stricter standards.

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia backed his former coach, saying Shako had sharpened both his technical wrestling and tactical understanding.

“He taught me how to balance attack with defence and, more importantly, how to time attacks. If given freedom, he can help many Indian wrestlers,” Bajrang said.

Shako also expressed optimism about emerging talent, particularly reigning Asian champion Sujeet Kalkal, saying the wrestler could become a serious medal contender in Los Angeles with the right tactical inputs.

“Amazing wrestler,” he said. “With a little more power and tactical advice, he can be dangerous.”