I want to open India's Olympic gold account in wrestling: Bajrang Punia

He wants to realise his guru Yogeshwar Dutt dream of a Gold medal at Olympics.

Bajrang Punia struck gold on the very first day of the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta. He overpowered Japan's Daichi Takatani 11-8 in the final of men's Freestyle 65 kg category to open India's gold medal tally in 18th Asian Games. He wants to do something similar. At a grander stage. To be precise, in Japan's Tokyo, in year 2020; the tournament -- the Olympics. 

Punia has a personal connection with the tournament too. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, his mentor and coach Yogeshwar Dutt could manage a bronze medal. Punia wants to right the wrong. He wants to realise his guru's dream.

In a telephonic interview with Business Standard, the ace Indian wrestler talked about his victory in the Asian Games 2018 and about his next big challenge -- the Tokyo Olympics. Edited excerpts:

Q: We talked to your village head (sarpanch) Dinesh Singh. He is very happy that you won a gold for India. What is your message for your village?

Bajrang: Villagers support me whenever I participate in any event. I wish I keep getting their blessings so that I can keep performing for India and bring glory to the nation and the village.

Q: Your Whatsapp display picture (DP) is of Tokyo 2020. Any special reason behind it?

Bajrang: I put this picture of Tokyo 2020 Olympics (as my DP) a year-and-half ago. I did this to keep myself motivated and win an Olympic gold in wrestling as that figure is still stuck at zero. The way the country and the media is supporting me, I am sure I will bring Gold in Tokyo Olympics.

Q: What is Yogeshwar Dutt's role in your wrestling career?

Bajrang: Yogi bhai has played a crucial role in my wrestling career. He wants me to win an Olympic Gold as he failed to do so in Rio Olympics. Today, I am a wrestler because of Yogeshwar bhai. I want to realise his dream of winning Gold in Olympics and I am working on that.

Question: According to various media reports, Yogeshwar Dutt left wrestling because he saw a lot of potential in you.

Bajrang: He has taken a break from wrestling after Rio Olympics. He hasn't retired. Currently, he is not fit to wrestle. When he will be fit, he will try in 70-kg category. He asked me to wrestle in 65-kg category.

Article Source BS