Bajrang must learn to retain focus for six full minutes: Coach Shako Bentinidis

Medal-contender Bajrang Punia must shed the habit of losing focus if he is to stand atop the podium at the Tokyo Games, warned his coach Shako Bentinidis while conceding that old habits die hard.The Georgian has immense faith in his ward, saying Bajrang is best among the current Indian crop but feels playing badly for just 30 seconds can ruin Olympic dreams. Bajrang has perched himself on the top of the UWW ranking table in 65kg after winning nine of his last 10 international assignments, including the 2018 CWG and Asian Games. The only final he lost was at the World Championship last year.”The biggest problem with Bajrang is that he loses focus sometimes and gives away points. It becomes a minus three, minus four start for him. We are working on it. It’s difficult. When I came he was 18 now he is 26, so it’s difficult to change but I am giving my best,” said Shako after Bajrang won the World Championship trials.”Bajrang and Vinesh are close to Olympic medals. But one incorrect (sic) fight, and you are finished. Lot of legends lost at Olympics, it’s a serious competition. You must give everything. One poor bout or 30 bad seconds, and it’s good bye Olympics,” he said.So, what is it that causes Bajrang to lose his focus? “If the training has not gone as per expectations, you might lose focus. And when you are a bit injured or want to avoid injury, it affects you. I try not to get distracted. Actually, when you are on the mat, there is no pressure but before that everyone feels a bit of pressure,” Bajrang told DIN after the trials.Shako did not say it in as many words but hinted that stardom can be distracting.
“Wrestling is a difficult sport. Bajrang was a good wrestler before but not the best. Now he is jumping fast, he has got name as well. He is a star now, so it becomes difficult to focus but he is at another level.