Bajrang Punia finds in Yogeshwar Dutt a friend, guide and philosopher. The 24-year-old did not let his mentor down as he won the men’s 65kg freestyle title on Friday, adding to India’s gold tally at the Commonwealth Games.
It was a runaway victory for Bajrang and coming on heels of the fine showing by Sushil Kumar on Thursday, the Indian camp rejoiced.
Starting off with a fine first round win over Brahm Richards (New Zealand), Bajrang moved on defeating Amas Daniel (Nigeria) and Vincent de Marinis (Canada) in the next two before getting another first round decision in his favour in the final against Kane Charig of Wales.
In the 97kg category, Mausam Khatri lost to Martin Erasmus of South Africa rather tamely as the South African proved far too superior to the Indian.
In the women’s section, Pooja Dhanda was unlucky to miss the gold despite a tough fight against Odunayo Adkuoroye of Nigeria in the 57kg class. Pooja started slowly and had given away points easily, which proved to be her undoing.
In the 68kg category, Divya Kakran won a bronze. ;She started off her Group B Nordic system with a win over Gaelle Alakame Angzong (Cameroon), but lost to Danielle Lappage Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria).
In the bronze medal match, she overcame Sherin Sultana of Bangladesh in the first round to gain a win by fall.