Ravi Kumar Dahiya, a bronze medalist in the World Championships in Tokyo, has schooled his thought process to keep the pressure at bay.
Ravi Kumar Dahiya, better known as Ravi Kumar, is an Indian freestyle wrestler who won a bronze medal in the 57 kg category at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships and qualified for the Summer Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Dahiya, who will compete in the 57kg weight class, has a straightforward approach to the Olympics. “This is the most important event. But it's only a yet another event. I've wrestled with the majority of the wrestlers on the field. Dahiya said, "I don't need to take pressure.”
“We might have practised for another 10-15 days in Russia. But that event is now gone, and my training is progressing well. The ability to spar with foreign wrestlers is the most valuable asset here. My personal coach, Kamal Malikov, is familiar with the language and organises training sessions with various sparring partners,” Dahiya explained.
Watching films of his opponents is another component of Dahiya's preparations. “You can find anything on the internet. I watch my opponents' fights and make game strategies based on what I see. Similarly, they must be keeping an eye on my fights.” 
For mental training, he seeks professional assistance. “Every now and then, I speak with Vickrant Mahajan, a motivational speaker. He informs me about minor details that might have a significant impact. ‘If others can do it, you can do it, too,' he says. Have your faith in God and do your best.”
Dahiya has left nothing to chance and is confident that God will assist him in his most important performance.
Visa extension
Meanwhile, the three Olympic-bound wrestlers practising in Vladikavkaz breathed a sigh of relief as the Union External Affairs Ministry and India's ambassador to Russia, D.B. Venkatesh Verma, worked together to extend their visas until August 1.
Bajrang's and his physiotherapist Manish's visas were valid till July 14. Ravi, Deepak, and four other members of the support crew, including instructors Jagmender Singh and Anil Mann, have visas that are valid until July 25.
The visa extensions will allow Indian wrestlers to dedicate more time to their preparation while also avoiding COVID limitations on entering Japan. On July 30, they will fly from Russia to Tokyo.