Tokyo Olympics: India's Bajrang Punia Wins Bronze In 65kg Freestyle Wrestling

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.

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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.

Delightful news from #Tokyo2020! Spectacularly fought @BajrangPunia. Congratulations to you for your accomplishment, which makes every Indian proud and happy.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2021

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"

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

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 7, 2021