Indian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Siddharth Singh is determined to win a medal at the upcoming Asian Games, despite limited support for the emerging sport in India. Singh emphasized that the Indian team is leaving no stone unturned in representing the sport for the first time at the Asian Games. He expressed his excitement about competing in China for the first time.
Siddharth recently won his 10th national level Jiu-Jitsu title in Haldwani, which served as a qualifying tournament for the Asian Games. He will be competing in the 69kg weight category, alongside his teammates Tarun Yadav and Anvisha Dey, who will be participating in the 62kg and minus 48kg weight classes, respectively.
Due to the sport’s young status in India, Jiu-Jitsu fighters face challenges in terms of facilities, infrastructure, access to world-class trainers and coaches, and external support. However, despite these obstacles, Siddharth and his teammates are determined to give their best and win a medal for India.
For Siddharth, the Asian Games in China will be a completely new experience. He mentioned that there will be around 100 participants in his weight class, making it a tough task to come out on top. However, he remains committed to giving his utmost effort and hopes for a successful performance.
Interestingly, Siddharth revealed that he hadn’t specifically trained for the national tournament where he won his 10th title. He had focused on competing in international championships instead. However, when he received the invitation for the Asian Games trials, he had minimal time to prepare. Nevertheless, Siddharth managed to win all his fights by submission.
Regarding the team’s training and preparations for the Asian Games, Siddharth stated that the Jiu-Jitsu Association of India has assured them of sending the team to a foreign location for a training camp. He recommended a few options for the training camp and believes that the exposure gained from training with international fighters and coaches will greatly benefit the young team.
In conclusion, Siddharth Singh’s determination to succeed in Jiu-Jitsu despite limited support in India is commendable. With the Asian Games approaching, he and his teammates are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Their commitment to the sport and their goal of winning a medal for India is evident, and they hope to make a mark at the Asian Games in China.
