Asian Games: Wrestler Bajrang Punia wins India's first gold

Wrestler Bajrang Punia on Sunday bagged the first gold medal for India at the 18th Asian Games after defeating Japanese Daichi Takatani 11-8 in Men's 65kg freestyle event.

Delighted with the feat, Punia said, "It's a big achievement for me. Once you win at Asian Games, you qualify for Olympics. I am training for the Olympics now. When people start having expectations from you, then you automatically perform well."

The 24-year-old played aggressively throughout the game and never allowed his opponent to take a lead.

Earlier, Punia had defeated Batmagnai batchuluun of Mongolia by 10-0 in the semifinals finals and Tajikistan's Abdulqasim Fayziev in quarterfinals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Punia over his win on Twitter. "Congratulations Bajrang Punia for the memorable victory in the 65 kg freestyle wrestling. This win is even more special because it is India's first Gold in the Asian Games 2018. Best wishes for your future endeavours," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Earlier this year, Punia had won a gold medal in the men's freestyle 65 kg category at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia.

This was India's second medal at the 18th Asian Games. Earlier in the day, shooters Apurvi Chandela and Ravi Kumar bagged bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event.