Amit set for worlds

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Amit Kumar

Promising grappler Amit Kumar has said that he has transformed his style into a more attacking one with time and international exposure. Kumar conceded that early in his career, the pressure of facing experienced opponents used to get the better of him but that, now, was a thing of the past “I used to get nervous while facing experienced wrestlers initially.

But with international experience under my belt, I have become more confident and offensive. I always look to win points now,” Amit, who at 19 years of age has already participated in the Olympics in London, was quoted as saying.
Kumar is looking ahead with confidence to winning more medals at international events, especially with the world wrestling body decided to tweak the rules to reward attacking style of play.
“I think the rule change is a very positive step towards making wrestling more entertaining. It will benefit wrestlers who are more attacking. No wrestlers will be able to run away after securing a lead as he will be penalised for passivity,” the 55kg freestyle wrestler said.
Kumar won a gold in the Asian Championships in April, where India’s leading grapplers and Olympics stars, Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, did not participate. Besides, he has proved his mettle and won golds in World Cadet, Asia Cadet and Asian Junior level as well.
Being looked at as a future medal prospect in the Olympics, Kumar has now set his eyes on the senior world championships in Hungary from September 16 to 22.
“I know there will be expectations. But I am training hard in the practice sessions in Sonepat (Haryana). My goal is to win a medal for the country in the world championships,” Kumar said.
With the Commonwealth Championships rescheduled a week ahead of the world meet in September, the Indian contingent would get a good warm-up for the second biggest event, staged annually, in the sport, he said.
“We will compete under new rules at the Commonwealth Championships. And I am sure we are going to benefit from it ahead of the all-important competition,” Kumar added.