Bajrang Punia Thumps Local Favourite to Win Gold at Ali Aliev Tournament in Russia

India’s ace grappler – Bajrang Punia has continued his golden run of form as he clinched back-to-back gold medals to reassert his supremacy on the mat. After a memorable triumph at the Asian Championships in China last month, Bajrang clinched the gold at the Ali Aliev invitational tournament in Dagestan, Russia on Thursday.

In the 65 kg final at Ali Aliev, the world number one – Punia defeated local favourite Viktor Rassadin 13-8 in what was another come from behind win.

At the end of the first period, Bajrang trailed 3-7 after giving up three takedowns for six points and one point for failed challenge. Punia got his points via one takedown and a point after Rassadin was warned for hitting his face with fingers.