This win feels different, says newly crowned junior champion Deepak Punia

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. 

“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. 

“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.