CWG 2018: Rahul Aware grabs gold for India

Rahul Aware guided India to its first gold medal in wrestling, defeating Steven Takahashi of Canada 15-7 in men’s freestyle 57kg category.

Rahul Aware clinched gold in men’s freestyle 57kg category. Photo: PTI

Rahul Aware guided India to its first gold medal in wrestling, defeating Steven Takahashi of Canada 15-7 in men’s freestyle 57kg category.

Rahul, a 26-year-old from Beed, Maharashtra, had to struggle to reach the top of the podium. Aware disposed of George Ramm (England) in the first round before gaining a comfortable win over Australian Thomas Cicchini in the second.

In the semifinal, the Indian was stretched by Muhammad Bilal (Pakistan) before gaining victory over points. He was tested again — through two rounds — by Takahashi in the final.

But Rahul survived the challenge to garner sufficient points for the gold.