Bajrang keeps Indian flag flying high

New Delhi: Bajrang Punia has made a habit of clinching gold medals. The 25-year-old from Sonepat clinched his second Asian Championships title in the men's 65 kg category in a stunning come-from-behind 12-7 victory over Sayatbek Okassov of Kazakhstan in Xi’an, China on Tuesday.

The world No. 1 wrestler ended the first round, trailing 2-5. With two minutes left, he lagged behind 2-7 and few would have given him a chance. But Bajrang thrilled all and sundry with his brilliant counter-attacks. A speedy leg attack over the Asian Games bronze medallist was followed by a firm hold and three gut-wrenches which surged him to victory.

This was Bajrang's fifth Asian Championships medal. He had claimed the title in 65kg at home in 2017 but had to settle for bronze last year. The Indian has been on a roll with gold in Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and silver in World Championships last year.

And he looks to have carried his form to his first major tournament of the new season. Coming into the final, he had conceded just one point. He began by brushing aside Sri Lankan Charles Fern via technical superiority and followed it up with a 6-0 win over Peyman Biabani of Iran. He then defeated Uzbek Sirojiddin Khasanov 12-1 in the semifinals.

“I always want to raise the country's flag high,” Bajrang told DH before leaving for Asian Championships.

“This year the focus will be on mixing tournament with training as both of these things are important. Tournaments help us to test training. Before World Cup, which will also be the Olympic qualifiers, I'm targetting to play at least 3-4 tournaments.”

Bajrang said he had been working on his shortcomings, like the leg-defence, to incorporate more attack in his game. “I am working on my weaknesses, including leg-defence, and will do better in World Championships this time. It is important not to repeat mistakes,” he said.

“Also I want to attack more. Everyone knows how to fight, and we all know each other's game. I'm working on new techniques and will be applying them in the tournaments as a surprise element. We cannot take any opponent lightly. If I do, it's my fault. I don't want to give less in any way, so I don't underestimate any opponent. But yes, our eyes are always on the strong contenders, just the way they have their eyes on us.

Rana bags silver

Meanwhile, Praveen Rana settled for silver as India ended the first day with three medals.

Rana won his first big medal in seven years though he missed out on the top prize. Praveen, who won a bronze in this championship in 2012, lost the 79kg gold medal bout 0-3 to 2017 world championships bronze medallist Bahman Mohammad Teymouri of Iran.

Rana had won a close 3-2 semifinal against Kazakhstan's Galymzhan Usserbayev.

Satywart Kadian lost to Batzul Ulziisaikhan in the 97kg quarterfinal bout but went on to make the cut after his Mongolian rival reached the final. He won the bronze play-off 8-1 against Haobin Gao of China.

In the 57kg division, Ravi Kumar entered the bronze medal play-off round after winning his repechage against Chia Tso Liu of Taipei 4-0 but lost the medal bout 3-5 to Yuki Takahashi of Japan.

Rajneesh bowed out of the tournament early in 70kg category.