Bajrang Punia wins bronze, becomes first Indian to win 4 medals at World Wrestling Championships

Written By DNA Web Team | Updated: Sep 19, 2022, 01:45 PM IST

Image Credit: PTI

Earlier, in the repechage round, Bajrang overcame an 0-4 deficit to defeat Individual World Cup champion Vazgen Tevanyan of Armenia 7-6.

Bajrang Punia won his fourth medal at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade on Sunday, beating Puerto Rico's Sebastian Rivera by the skin of his teeth in a 65kg bronze medal match.

Bajrang, who suffered a head injury in the pre-quarterfinals and lost to American John Diakomihalis in the quarterfinals before returning to medal contention on Saturday, came back from 0-6 down to win 11-9. It was his third bronze medal, in addition to a silver.

After giving up six points in 35 seconds, Bajrang responded with a throw and a takedown to tie the game. Rivera reclaimed the lead in the opening period with another two-pointer and subsequently increased it to 9-6.

 

Bajrang, who battled with a bandaged head, narrowed the deficit and overpowered Rivera with two takedowns. A failed video challenge from the Puerto Rican for a move done at the very last second earned Bajrang another point.

Earlier, in the repechage round, Bajrang overcame an 0-4 deficit to defeat Individual World Cup champion Vazgen Tevanyan of Armenia 7-6.

In this edition, India won two bronze medals, one of which was won by Vinesh Phogat.

READ| BCCI unveils Team India's new jersey for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022

.