Commonwealth Games 2022: Wrestler Bajrang Punia wants glory at Birmingham

Olympic Bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will be eyeing his third successive medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

With Silver and Gold in the previous two editions of the quadrennial event, India's hopes will be pinned on the ace wrestler to win back-to-back Golds. He will compete in the 65-kg category at Birmingham 2022.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Bajrang was not at his best, largely due to a leg injury but still managed to bring home the Bronze even as he started the tournament as favourite.

Also read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Vinesh Phogat eyes third consecutive Gold

However, the reigning CWG and Asian Games champion has overcome the demons that plagued him in Tokyo. And before travelling to the US for training, Punia said that he can feel the same energy and vibes which he used to experience during the 2018-19 phase.

Bajrang registered his place in India's squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a narrow 2-1 win over his opponent in the final of the trials, conducted by the Wrestling Federation of India.

With an aim to get better after injury, he has been honing his skills at Michigan University in the USA ahead of the Birmingham Games.

Bajrang Punia's key achievements:

Bronze medal in Tokyo Olympics (65kg)
Silver in 2021 Almaty Asian Championships (65kg)
Silver in 2020 New Delhi Asian Championships (65kg)
Gold in 2019 Xi'an Asian Championships (65kg)
Bronze in 2019 Nur-Sultan World Championships (65kg)
Gold in 2018 Jakarta Asian Games (65kg)
Gold in 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (65kg)
Silver in 2018 Budapest World Championships (65kg)
Bronze in 2018 Bishkek Asian Championships (65kg)
Gold in 2017 New Delhi Asian Championships (65kg)
Silver in 2017 Bydgoszcz World U23 Championships
Gold in 2017 Brakpan Commonwealth Championships (65kg)
Gold in 2017 Ashgabat Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (70kg)
Gold in 2016 Singapore Commonwealth Championship (65kg)
Silver in 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games (61kg)
Silver in 2014 Incheon Asian Games (61kg)
Silver in 2014 Astana Asian Championships (61kg)
Bronze in 2013 Budapest World Championships (60kg)
Bronze in 2013 New Delhi Asian Championships (60kg)