Bajrang Punia Wins Bronze in Tokyo, Becomes Only The Third Indian Man to Bring Home an Olympic Medal in Wrestling

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Born in 1994 in Haryana, India, Bajrang Punia is a freestyle wrestler who competes in the 65kg weight category. Growing up in an impoverished community, Punia could not afford to play sports that require expensive equipment like badminton or cricket. Therefore, he opted to compete in mud-wrestling and kabaddi. His father, a former wrestler, encouraged him to pursue the sport seriously from 14. Punia has been mentored by Olympic medalist Yogeshwar Dutt ever since, says the IOC.

A trailblazing career

Punia began his competitive career with the 2013 Asian Championships, where he won bronze in the 60kg freestyle category. He went on to win a bronze in the World Championships that same year which was followed by a silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Between 2015-2021, Punia has declared himself the new face of Indian wrestling. The year 2017-18 was especially significant. Punia won gold medals at the Commonwealth Championship, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Asian Championships, and silver at the World under-23 Championships. In 2018, he won the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, a silver medal at the World Championships, and bronze at the Asian Championships. 

Punia won the bronze at the 2019 World Championships and became a two-time Asian Championships winner. In 2020 and 2021, he brought home his 2nd and 3rd silver medals at the Asian Championships, thus making him a seven-time medalist at the Asian Championships, a feat no Indian has achieved before. 

Tokyo Olympics

At his first Olympic games, Punia won the bronze medal in Tokyo’s men’s 65kg category. This victory makes him only the third Indian male wrestler to bring home a medal at the Olympics, says Wikipedia. 

Bajrang Punia has proved through his hard work, dedication, and determination that the future of Indian wrestling is in capable hands. His journey is a symbol of hope, strength, and encouragement to aspiring athletes across the globe. 

#GCPWishesBajrangPunia #GCPAWishesOlympians

Team Global Child Prodigy Congratulates Bajrang Punia for winning Gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This will inspire millions of people worldwide, including children who aspire to be like him. 

We are on a mission to recognize Child prodigies across the world in all domains. Do let us know in the comment section if you know any such kid who deserves to be on the top 100 Child Prodigies list, or you can directly apply For Global Child Prodigy Award 2021 from the link below.