Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has one more bite at the cherry as he features in the bronze medal match after losing his semi-final bout in the 65kg category of men's wrestling in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020. Bajrang, who made his debut in Olympic Games this year has won almost everywhere he has played, three medals in the World Championships, a Gold medal in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games 2018, a couple of gold medals at Commonwealth Championships and two more as Asian Championships.
At 27, Bajrang has won more than he has lost and he will be hoping to increase his medal tally by winning one in his debut at the Games.
Bajrang was one of the pre-tournament medal hopes for India and played his first two rounds like a champion he is, after overcoming a slow start.
He first defeated Kyrgyztan's Ernazar Akmataliev on the count of the high-scoring move as the bout ended on a 3-3 all scoreline. Bajrang needed just that little luck to show what he is really capable of as the 'Bajrang' everyone knows was on show in the quarter-final.
Facing Iran's Morteza Cheka Ghiasi, Bajrang was trailing his opponent for the most part and was even put twice on the activity clock where the wrestler has to score a point in 30 seconds. But as the bout was in its dying stages, Bajrang overpowered Ghiasi, and won the bout by fall, thereby qualifying for the semi-finals.
However, it wasn't to be for Bajrang in the semis as he lost to Azerbaijan's Haji Aliyev on points 5-12. The bout was close in the first round especially but the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was just too good on the day for Punia.
Bajrang Punia will now face either Senegal's Adama Diatta or Kazakhstan's Daulet Niyazbekov in his bronze medal match. Here are the details:
When will Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match start?
Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match will begin at 4.08 PM IST on Saturday, August 7.
Where will Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match be played?
Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match will be played on mat B of the Makuhari Messe Hall.
Which TV channels will broadcast Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match?
Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network in India.
How to watch the live streaming of Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match?
Fans can catch the live streaming of Bajrang Punia's bronze medal match on the SonyLIV website and SonyLIV app in India.