Bajrang Punia clinches top spot in UWW rankings

Asian Games gold medallist Bajrang Punia on Saturday became the world's top-ranked freestyle wrestler in the 65 kg category in the recently updated rankings released by the United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling.

Punia, who secured 96 points, has topped the charts with a massive 30-point lead over Alejandro Enrique Valdes Tobier of Cuba, while Akhmed Chakaev of Russia is placed at the third position with 62 points.

The Indian wrestling sensation also had an impressive year with one gold and one silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and UWW World Championship respectively.

Meanwhile, eight other Indian wrestlers have made it to the top 20 list of their respective weight categories for the UWW rankings.

In men's freestyle, Sandeep Tomar is ranked at the 14th place in the 57 kg category, Sonba Tanaji Gongane at 12th in 61 kg category, Sharvan at 20th in 61 kg, Deepak Punia at 13th in 86 kg and Sumit at 13th in 125 kg.

On the other hand, in women's wrestling, Ritu Phogat is ranked at 10th place in 50 kg, Vinesh Phogat at 17th in 50 kg, Pooja Dhanda at 6th in 57 kg, Sarita at 7th in 59 kg, Sangeeta Phogat at 18th in 59 kg, Ritu Malik at 11th in 65 kg, Navjot Kaur at 18th and 9th in 65 kg and 68 kg respectively and Kiran at 9th in 76 kg in the UWW rankings list.