Punia ends India’s 18 year-wait for junior world title
By Anurag Mallick Published on 15 Aug 2019 6:21 PM IST
Wrestler Deepak Punia became the first Indian in 18 years, after he clinched the gold at the Junior World Championship held in Talinn, Estonia on Wednesday. Deepak beat Russia’s Alik Shebzukov to win the 86kg junior freestyle title.
Back in 2016 Deepak had won the Cadet World Championship held at Tbilisi, Georgia and in 2018 a silver in Slovakia.
On this very occasion, Top Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia took to twitter to congratulate Deepak and fellow wrestler Vicky Chahar who won bronze in the 92 kg category. Punia shared their picture and tweeted saying, “Congratulations to Deepak Punia and Vicky on winning Gold medal and bronze medal respectively in junior world championship in Estonia. Great job...Best wishes for your future (sic).”
The 19-year-old has also made it to the senior team for the World Championships and will represent India in the 86 kg category in Kazakhstan. The tournament which will begin from September 14 to 22 will also serve as the qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
