World Wrestling Championships | I expected to win gold but happy with silver, says Bajrang Punia

Bajrang Punia, who bagged gold medals in the Gold Coast CWG and the recent Asian Games, had to settle for a silver medal at this year’s World Wrestling Championships. Punia was outplayed by Japan’s Takuto Otoguro in the final of the 65kg category on Monday.

24-year old Punia was the favorite to win the medal ahead of the final but was stunned by some aggressive tactics from his 19-year old counterpart who consistently attacked the left leg of Indian and emerged a comfortable 16-9 winner via tactical superiority. Otoguro became the youngest Japanese wrestler to win a gold medal after his victory in the final.

“It was so near and yet so far. Having reached the final, I expected to win gold but I will have to be satisfied with a silver medal. I am happy to have bettered my bronze medal effort, achieved five years ago at the same venue,” Bajrang told PTI sources.

The young Japanese wrestler raced away to an early 5-0 lead, which left Bajrang to play just a catch-up game from there on. But after two consecutive takedowns, the Indian reduced the deficit to 4-5. Otoguro bagged more points with a step out and led 7-6 at the break, before he ultimately won via a 16-9 score.

Bajrang became just the fourth Indian wrestler to reach the final of the world championships. Sushil Kumar remains the lone Indian to win a gold medal at the Worlds, having achieved the feat in 2010 in Moscow in the 66kg category. Apart from Sushil and Bajrang, Amit Dahiya (2013) and Bishambar Singh (1967) are the other Indians to make it to the world championship final in men’s freestyle category.

“We all wanted him to win gold, but a silver medal is no mean achievement. Bajrang has been consistent throughout the season and has wrapped up this season with two major titles and a silver medal in the world championships here. And this is what every wrestler dream about,” said Bajrang’s coach.