Georgian Coach Returns to Transform Indian Wrestling Team

A coach who believes in building gladiators, not just athletes, is coming back to reshape Indian wrestling from the ground up.

Shako Bentinidis, the charismatic Georgian coach who transformed Bajrang Punia into an Olympic medalist, has accepted the role of men's freestyle wrestling coach for India's national team. His mission goes far beyond physical training.

"Indian wrestlers don't have the winning character, a champion's character," Shako says candidly. He's not questioning their physical abilities. Indian wrestlers have legendary stamina and strength that leave him in awe.

The problem, he believes, is mental. Too many Indian wrestlers train only within their home country, sparring with the same partners in familiar akharas. When they face international competitors from powerhouse nations like Russia or the United States, an inferiority complex creeps in.

"When you go with a good wrestler, a Russian or an American, an Indian wrestler is thinking, 'Oh, this is a big country,'" Shako explains. "I want them to see their talent, develop a winning mindset, focus like a champion."

His solution is simple but transformative. He plans to organize international training camps where Indian wrestlers can regularly spar with athletes from Dagestan, Georgia, and America. The goal isn't just learning new techniques but building confidence through repeated victories in practice.

Bajrang Punia vouches for this approach. "Before I began training under him, I banked more on my stamina to pull through tough matches," the Olympic medalist says. "He taught me how to balance attack with defence, and more crucially, how to time attacks."

The timing couldn't be more critical. India won six Olympic medals in men's freestyle wrestling across five Olympics. But at the 2024 Paris Games, only one male wrestler qualified. The sport shows signs of stagnation.

Shako left a coaching position in the United States to take this job, despite the personal sacrifice of leaving his family behind. "I have watched Indian wrestlers, supported them, seen what has happened in India, the wins, the losses," he says. "And I think I can help India. 100 per cent."

Why This Inspires

Wrestling has given India some of its proudest Olympic moments, but maintaining that excellence requires honest assessment and bold changes. Shako's willingness to challenge comfortable routines and push athletes beyond mental barriers shows the kind of leadership that creates breakthroughs.

His vision extends beyond medals. He wants to instill what he calls "champion character," a mindset where wrestlers never think about losing, only winning. It's about replacing doubt with deserved confidence.

India's decision to bring in an all-foreign coaching staff for the first time signals a commitment to learning from global best practices. With Shako leading the charge, Indian wrestlers may soon walk onto international mats not as underdogs, but as gladiators ready to conquer.