Deepak Punia Secures Bronze in Men's Freestyle Wrestling at Asian Games 2026

Deepak Punia's Bronze Medal Triumph

Nagoya, Oct 3: Indian wrestler Deepak Punia achieved a remarkable feat by winning the bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 97 kg category at the Asian Games 2026. He secured victory over Mongolia’s Gankhuyag Ganbaatar with a score of 2-1 in the medal match held on Saturday.

Previously, Deepak had earned a silver medal in the men’s 86 kg division during the 2023 Asian Games, and he added another medal to his collection with a strategic performance in a tightly contested match.

Deepak started strong, scoring two points early on and successfully defending his lead against Ganbaatar, despite conceding one point in the second period, ultimately clinching the win.

His journey began with a dominant 12-2 victory against China’s Zhou Junpeng. He advanced to the semifinals without a fight, as Hong Kong's Li Wui Fung Vincent did not show up for their quarterfinal match.

In the semifinal, Deepak faced a tough challenge from Uzbekistan’s Sherzod Poyonov, narrowly losing 8-9, which led him to the bronze medal bout.

Deepak rebounded effectively to defeat Ganbaatar, ensuring his place on the podium.

This bronze medal marks only the fifth time an Indian wrestler has medaled in the men’s freestyle 97 kg category at the Asian Games throughout its history.

The first medal in this category for India was a gold won by Maruti Mane in 1962, followed by silver medals from Ganpat Andalkar and Bishwanath Singh in the same and subsequent editions, respectively. Bhim Singh also earned a bronze in 1966.

Deepak’s achievement adds to a successful day for Indian men’s freestyle wrestling at the ongoing Games.

Earlier on the same day, Aman Sehrawat triumphed over reigning world champion Han Chong-song from North Korea with an 11-7 victory, securing gold in the men’s 57 kg category and becoming the first Indian to win in this division at the Asian Games.

Sujeet Kalkal also contributed to India’s success by winning the men’s 65 kg title with a thrilling 10-9 comeback against Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiyev, marking the end of India’s wait for a wrestling gold at these Games.

With Aman and Sujeet winning gold and Deepak earning bronze, India has showcased a strong performance in men’s freestyle wrestling in Nagoya.

Aman’s victory signifies the first instance since 1978 that India has secured two gold medals in men’s freestyle wrestling at a single Asian Games.