This win feels different, says newly crowned junior champion Deepak Punia
Deepak Punia entered an elite category after he became the fourth Indian wrestler to win a junior Worlds title defeated Alik Shebzukhov 2-2 despite having an injured shoulder in the 86 kg final in Tallinn. This was India's first gold medal in the Junior World Championships after a gap of 18 years.
Before he left India for the Junior World Championships, young wrestler Deepak Punia had just one thing on his mind - to win gold. Punia knew this was a make or break moment for him and the 20-year old did himself and the country proud as he beat opponent Alik Shebzukhov 2-2 despite having an injured shoulder in the finals of 86 kg category in Tallinn on Thursday.Â
“This is my toughest medal yet. I have won at senior level but this feels different, so important,” Punia told Scroll.
Punia, who had bagged a silver medal in the same tournament last year, became the fourth Indian wrestler to win a gold medal in the junior Worlds after last night's emphatic victory. This was India's first gold in the tournament after a gap of 18 years. India's coach Parvesh Mann spoke about the struggle Punia went through in the build-up to this year's junior Worlds Championships.Â
“It was a tough bout for Deepak. The Russian gave no chance to attack and thankfully he never tires so he managed to get a takedown late in the bout. It is great that he has ended a long wait for India,” Mann was quoted as saying.
