Tokyo-bound Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia regained the number one spot in the international rankings. The ace Indian wrestler clinched a second successive gold medal at the Matteo Pallicone Ranking Series.
Punia defeated Mongolia’s Tulga Tumur Ochir 2-2 by criteria in the 65kg freestyle event final in Rome on Sunday. He rallied to win after getting a two-pointer in the last 30 seconds of the bout.
The 27-year-old, was playing his first international competition since the COVID-19 pandemic. made full use of the tournament before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics.
Punia was placed second in the rankings before the start of the tournament and is now placed at the number one spot in the 65kg category with 14 points.
Last year, the Indian grappler defeated USA’s Jordan Oliver in the final to clinch the gold medal at the tournament.
“Three cheers for Indian Railways wrestler Bajrang Punia for winning a gold medal at Matteo Pallicone Ranking Series tournament in Italy.
His willpower & dedication has placed him at world no. 1 spot in 65 kg freestyle weight category. India is proud!” Central Railway Minister Piyush Goyal Twitted.
???? Three cheers for Indian Railways wrestler Bajrang Punia for winning a gold medal at Matteo Pallicone Ranking Series tournament in Italy.
His willpower & dedication has placed him at world no. 1 spot in 65 kg freestyle weight category ????
India is proud! ???????? pic.twitter.com/iZOn0zY76T
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 8, 2021
Punia had earned a quota for the Tokyo Games in September 2019 after winning a bronze medal at the World Championships. The prestigious quadrennial event is set to take place from July 23-August 8 this year. The Games were scheduled to take place last year but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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