Wrestling is a sport of strength, speed and strategy. But for Sri Lanka’s Netmi Ahinsa it is also about heart. The young wrestler, who made history with a world bronze medal, has now set her sights on a bigger prize.
Before dawn broke on Wednesday, Ahinsa boarded a flight to the United States, ready to push her limits at an intense one-month training camp. This is her final preparation for the Asian Wrestling Championship in Jordan, where she hopes to prove that her success is no flash in the pan.
“This is my biggest challenge yet. I know I have to wrestle harder than ever before,” Ahinsa said before leaving.
Ahinsa’s journey has been anything but easy. In 2023 she shocked the world by defeating Russia’s Valeria Mikits 6-2 at the World Wrestling Championships in Spain, winning Sri Lanka’s first-ever world-level wrestling medal.
It was a historic moment. But for Ahinsa, it was just the beginning. “Winning bronze was a dream come true but I can’t stop here. I have to keep pushing forward,” she said.
She has already fought some of the toughest battles on the mat, but this time, the battle starts long before she steps into the ring. Training in the US means competing with some of the world’s best that will help sharpening her technique and preparing herself for the toughest opponents in Asia.
“Wrestling is like chess,” she explained. “It’s not just about strength. You have to outthink your opponent, move faster and never let your guard down.”
While Ahinsa has Sri Lanka’s pride on her shoulders, she does not always have the full support she needs.
The Ministry of Sports has funded her airfare and visa, ensuring that she gets to the US. But the National Olympic Committee (NOC) has yet to provide financial backing.
The NOC has promised to help with nutrition expenses once she arrives, but Ahinsa is already used to training under tough conditions. “I have never had it easy,” she said. “But when I step on to the mat, I forget everything. I just fight.”
Her coach, Suranga Pushpakumara, who has been by her side through every victory and setback, will also be part of the training camp.
He believes that this experience will give Ahinsa the edge she needs. “She is fearless. She never backs down. This training will make her even stronger,” he said.
Ahinsa has already left her mark on Sri Lankan wrestling. She first caught attention when she won a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the 57kg category.
She followed it up with another bronze at the Under-20 Asian Wrestling Championship earlier this year.
“I don’t just want to compete—I want to win,” she said firmly. “Every drop of sweat in training is a step closer to gold.” The Asian Wrestling Championship in Jordan will be one of the toughest battles of her career.
But Ahinsa is ready to fight, ready to prove that she belongs among the best.
For Sri Lanka’s wrestling warrior, this is not just another tournament.
This is her moment to wrestle her way to greatness.
