Deepak Punia becomes junior world wrestling champion, first Indian in 18 years

Our #TOPSAthlete wrestler #DeepakPunia wins the gold🥇in men’s 86 kg freestyle at the World Jr. #Wrestling Championships in Estonia after beating Russia’s #AlikShebzukhov in the final. 🤼‍♂️

Many congratulations as he becomes 1st Indian in 18 yrs to win gold at the C’ships.👏🏻🎉 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/yQLB2GakMi

— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 14, 2019

The final ended 2-2 on scores, but Deepak was awarded the bout as he had registered the last point-scoring move.

Also Read: Haryana milkman’s son Deepak Punia is world wrestling cadet champion

Punia had won the silver medal after losing in the final at this event in 2018. He had missed out narrowly on a bronze medal at this event in 2017. In 2016, he had won thje gold medal at the Cadet World Championships.

Congratulations to Deepak Punia and Vicky on winning Gold medal and bronze medal respectively in junior world championship in Estonia. Great job 👍🏽 Best wishes for your future 🇮🇳Jai hind pic.twitter.com/OHFCmI8OEW

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) August 14, 2019

It is after 18 years that India has a junior world champion in wrestling in Deepak Punia. Ramesh Gulia and Palwinder Singh Cheema had won international gold medals at the junior circuit in 69kg and 130kg categories respectively.

Before prevailing over Shebzukhov, Punia, who also won a gold at 2016 Cadet World Championship, comfortably defeated Milan Korcsog of Hungary 10-1 in his opening bout.

He then defeated Hunter Lee of Canada 5-1.

In the semi-final Georgia’s Miriani Maisuradze 3-2, Punia trailed 1-2 but with just over a minute left he scored two points by pushing his opponent twice to emerge a 3-2 winner.

Punia will also represent India at the upcoming World Championship in Kazakhatan, having won the trials.