After Asaid win, Bajrang sets eyes on Olympic gold

Indian wrestling's new star Bajrang Punia today set his eyes on a 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal after his triumphant Asian Games campaign here.

The 24-year-old Bajrang notched up a "revenge win" against Japan's Takatani Daichi in the gold medal bout of men's 65 kg category.

Bajrang raced to a 6-0 lead in the final but the Japanese, to whom he had lost in the Asian Championship, made a spirited comeback with some solid attack and defence.

However, Bajrang prevailed after a tight battle to claim gold and said it was his biggest achievement so far.

"This is my biggest gold medal, if you win here then you are a contender at the Tokyo Olympics. I have an eye at Tokyo Games and preparing for that. I will try to produce same performance at the World Championship also," Bajrang said after his win.

"There are very few gold for Indian wrestlers in Asiad. So it is a big achievement for me. Only Yogeshwar and Rajinder Singh have won two gold medals in a year (CWG and Asiad), I am only the third to do it, so naturally I am feeling proud of myself."
Asked if he has become more aggressive, Bajrang said, "When people start expecting that Bajrang will win medal, I will have to deliver."
"If I start thinking that I am losing, then definitely I will lose the bout. So I never do that. I don't feel any pressure. I just work hard and give my 100 per cent."
Asked if it was a deliberate move due to criticism from some people, he said, "People will keep talking about some or other things. I don't bother who is saying what. I am the same but the thought process has changed after winning medals. I will not stop enjoying just because others don't like it."