Tokyo Olympics: Punia wants no drama in early rounds at the Games

The 27-year-old is the second seed in men's 65kg category in Tokyo, the one on whose shoulders rest India's hopes of winning the country's first Olympic gold in wrestling.

Published : Jul 18, 2021 12:31 IST

"My style is more on the lines of working hard for my win. I am not able to play the technical game like the other 65kg wrestlers do," said Punia.
"My style is more on the lines of working hard for my win. I am not able to play the technical game like the other 65kg wrestlers do," said Punia.
lightbox-info

"My style is more on the lines of working hard for my win. I am not able to play the technical game like the other 65kg wrestlers do," said Punia.

India's Bajrang Punia is determined to avoid come-from-behind wins in his early bouts which could leave him exhausted even before reaching the medal rounds at the Tokyo Olympics, the freestyle wrestler said.

The 27-year-old is the second seed in men's 65kg category in Tokyo, the one on whose shoulders rest India's hopes of winning the country's first Olympic gold in wrestling.

"I want to come back with a medal. I am working on not giving points early," Punia told Sunday's Times of India newspaper.

"Coach (Emzarios Bentinidis) keeps on telling me that a come-from-behind victory requires a lot of effort and if I keep on doing that, I will be spent when I reach the medal rounds."

READ: Tokyo 2020: US Olympian Gable Steveson chases gold, pro wrestling dreams

World champion Russian Gadzhimurad is the top seed in a strong group which, according to Punia, contained 10-12 wrestlers who could beat each other "on their day".

An Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Punia's leg defence is considered probably his only weakness, but the wrestler from Haryana was not too perturbed.

"Just focusing on leg defence is not the solution," he said.

READ: Bajrang Punia: Fit and focused on Tokyo Olympics

"When the opponent starts getting tired and fatigue sets in him, that's when I pounce on and attack and accumulate points.

"My style is more on the lines of working hard for my win. I am not able to play the technical game like the other 65kg wrestlers do.

"My strong point is power and endurance. That helps me to come back (in a bout)."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment