Wrestler Bajrang Punia clinched India’s first gold medal at the 18th Asian Games after defeating Takatani Daichi of Japan in the men’s 65 kg freestyle title on Sunday.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Authority of India congratulated the 24-year-old wrestler.
Congratulations @BajrangPunia for winning the Gold in the 65kg freestyle wrestling at #AsianGames2018. India is elated at your accomplishment #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 19, 2018
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
1st🥇for #India!
Our #TOPSAthlete @BajrangPunia is a perfect example of dedication,grit & determination.
So proud to bring to you our men’s 65kg category🥇medalist at #AsianGames2018! The zeal to make it big was very evident from the start!#IndiaAtAsianGames @FederationWrest🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/HXADcYJdkG— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 19, 2018
Earlier on Friday, India’s Chef de Mission for Asian Games 2018, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh confirmed that all medals won by Indian athletes at the quadrennial event will be dedicated to the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
As a mark of respect, Bajrang tweeted his victory on Twitter and dedicated the Gold to the former PM.
#AsianGames का गोल्ड मैडल 🥇मैं स्वर्गीय श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी को समर्पित करता हूँ । नमन 🙏 pic.twitter.com/E28fQcKx2g
— Bajrang Punia (@BajrangPunia) August 19, 2018
After taking an early 6-0 lead, Bajrang gave six points. However, he made a comeback with a lead 10-8 to win his first Gold at the Asian Games. Previously, he had won three consecutive gold medals- CWG (Gold Coast), Tbilisi Grand Prix (Georgia) and Yasar Dogu International (Istanbul).