Deepak Punia becomes first Indian gold medallist at junior world wrestling championships in 18 years

New Delhi: Grappler Deepak Punia on Wednesday became India's first junior world champion in 18 years after he claimed a gold medal at the junior worlds with a win over Russia's Alik Shebzukhov at Tallinn, Estonia.

The score was tied 2-2 at the end of the 86kg men's freestyle bout but the Indian was declared champion because he had scored the last point.

The last Indians to win gold at the junior world championship were Ramesh Kumar (69 kg) and Palwinder Singh Cheema (130 kg) who stood atop the podium in 2001.