Wrestlers Punia, Dhanda grab gold in Bulgaria

Ruse (Bulgaria) (IANS) Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia outclassed Jordan Oliver of the US to win gold in the men's 65 kilogram freestyle category at the Dan Kolov-Nikol Petrov Ranking Series here.

Before Punia's feat on Saturday night, Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sakshi clinched silver medal in the women's 65kg category and Pooja Dhanda won gold in the women's 59kg.

After being 0-3 down, Punia stepped up the gas and won 12 straight points to clinch the gold against his American opponent. "I dedicate this medal to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He has been an inspiration. Some day I would like to meet and shake his hands," Punia said after the win. 

Facing Henna Johansson of Sweden, Malik was beaten to the gold medal by a 3-8 margin. Besides the silver medal, Malik will also take back some confidence after beating reigning World and European Champion Petra Olli of Finland in the semis.

"The win over World Champion Olli has given me a lot of confidence and will keep me in good stead for the upcoming Asian Championships," Malik said.

What was notable was that she competed in a category higher than her usual 62kg. 

"From here we have trials in India for the Asian Championships and then another event in the USA. To lose weight thrice in one month or so would affect my performance as there would be lot of diet control and that affects training too," Sakshi explained. 

With an eye on the Tokyo Olympics, Malik said performing at tournaments leading to World Championships in 2019 would help her secure a berth at the 2020 Games. "I want to seal my berth for the Tokyo World Championships in September 2019. Performing at such tournaments will help me a lot," she said.

Pooja Dhanda won gold as she went undefeated in the women's 59kg category, which followed had a round-robin format. On her way to gold, she beat compatriot Sarita Mor, Kornelija Zaicevaute of Lithuania while Kyrgyzstan's Aisuluu Tynybekova didn't turn up for the bout.