While Boxing has been India’s claim to fame in the past Olympic competitions, this time the nation has set its hope on the strongest prospect, Bajrang Punia will lead India’s contest upfront at the Tokyo 2020.
When it comes to achievements, the 27-year-old Haryana-born freestyle wrestler is a man of many firsts. The first Indian to grab the 1st rank in any category and the first to win 2 world championships.
Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt trained Bajrang as he first came to the fore in 2013 when he claimed the bronze medal at the Asian wrestling championship. Since then, he struggled through severe injuries but made sure to outshine himself.
Nicknamed ‘The Tank’, Punia has for himself 15 medals from all the renowned championships. He has been crowned the Asian wrestling champion twice and bagged 3 silver and 2 bronze medals at the same event. He has also earned the CWG Gold in the 2018 edition and silver in 2014. He has won 2 medals at the Asian Games as well.
The World No. 1 in the 65 kg freestyle category, Punia made his last mile preparations in Russia. Though Punia is India’s best chance for gold on the world stage, he still needs to be watchful in order to become the first to win a gold in wrestling from India.
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