Deepak Punia becomes India's 1st junior wrestling World Champion in 18 years

Grappler Deepak Punia on Wednesday became India’s first junior World Champion in 18 years after he claimed a gold medal at the junior worlds with a win over Russia’s Alik Shebzukhov at Tallinn, Estonia.

The score was tied 2-2 at the end of the 86kg men’s freestyle bout but the Indian was declared champion because he had scored the last point.

Before prevailing over Shebzukhov, Punia, who also won a gold at 2016 Cadet World Championship, comfortably defeated Milan Korcsog of Hungary 10-1 in his opening bout.

He then defeated Hunter Lee of Canada 5-1. In the semi-final Georgia’s Miriani Maisuradze 3-2, Punia trailed 1-2 but with just over a minute left he scored two points by pushing his opponent twice to emerge a 3-2 winner.

Punia will also represent India at the upcoming World Championship in Kazakhatan, having won the trails.

In the 92kg, Viky edged out Mongloia’s Batmagnai Eenkhtuvshin 4-3 to claim a bronze.