Bajrang must learnt 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?
"The World Championship is very important for us because the qualification for the Olympics is priority now. We can focus on training for one year. A lot of people want him to win at Worlds but my priority is that he qualifies for the Tokyo Games."
"Leg, leg leg and leg.. if you give 6-7 points, comeback is possible but very very difficult in Olympics."
"If you look at my performance after the last World Championship, I have competed in 4-5 tournaments and lost just one bout in Madisson Square. Today, I did not falter on leg defence. I have competed against Harphul before and gave him 1-2 points earlier but today I did not give any points to him, so there is definitely improvement on leg defence."
"Bajrang does not understand rest. Now he is best wrestler and if I go for one-week vacation, and come back, Bajrang is a different wrestler."