Jakarta :
Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia have struck the first gold for the country in the 18th Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Punia defeated Japanese wrestler Takatani in Men’s Freestyle 65 kg category.
Punia took an early 6-0 lead before Takatani Daichi came back to make it 6-2. Punia was at his aggressive best but the Japanese wrestler wasn’t going away without a fight. Takatani took another two points to make it 6-4 and had another opportunity but Bajrang defended well and the score remained 6-4 till the end of the first period.
In the second period, Takatani managed to get through Punia’s defence and made it 6-6. But Punia, showing great defensive technique, fought back to make it 8-6. Then, both wrestlers took two points each and made it 10-8. The match went down to the final seconds and the Punia got another point when Japan’s desperate review failed. The match ended 11-8 in the Indian’s favour.
It is Bajrang Punia’s first gold in the Asian Games. He have won a gold in the Commonwealth Games held at Gold Coast, Australia earlier this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Punia on his victory.
Congratulations @BajrangPunia for the memorable victory in the 65 kg freestyle wrestling. This win is even more special because it is India's first Gold in the @asiangames2018. Best wishes for your future endeavours. #AsianGames2018
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2018
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