Asian Games 2026: Deepak Punia Wins Bronze in Men’s 97kg Wrestling after close victory!

Indian wrestling star Deepak Punia clinched the bronze medal in the men’s 97kg freestyle category at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, defeating Mongolia’s Gankhuyag Ganbaatar 2-1 in a tense podium bout. Transitioning successfully to the heavier weight division after taking silver in 86kg at Hangzhou, Punia maintained tactical control throughout the contest to earn his second career Asian Games medal.

His victory marks India’s first Asiad medal in the men’s 97kg freestyle wrestling category since Bhim Singh’s bronze in 1966, capping off a stellar day for the Indian wrestling contingent.