Nitesh Kumar Sahoo

News Highlights

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Punia's achievement at the Olympics.
  • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also congratulated the Olympic medallist.

India's Bajrang Punia won the bronze medal in men's freestyle 65kg, beating Niyazbekov of Kazakhstan 8-0 on points for his first medal at the Olympics.

Bajrang, who had lost to Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan in the semifinals on Friday, came up with a tactical bout as he took early lead in the first period and capitalised with counterattacks when his Kazakh rival, a two-time medallist at the World Championships, went on the attack.

Bajrang's bronze medal took India's tally in the Tokyo Olympics to six medals -- two silver and four bronze. India thus tied for its best medal haul in the Olympics at 2012 London when they won two silver and four bronze.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Punia's achievement at the Olympics. Expressing his happiness, he Tweeted: Delightful news from #Tokyo2020! Spectacularly fought @BajrangPunia . Congratulations to you for your accomplishment, which makes every Indian proud and happy.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also congratulated the Olympic medallist through his Tweet. His congratulatory message read: "Well done! Congratulations #BajrangPunia on securing the #Bronze medal, on his debut Olympics, for #TeamIndia at #Tokyo2020 with a comprehensive victory in men’s freestyle 65kg #wrestling. Wish him all the best for future. #Cheer4India"

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