Bajrang Punia wins gold in Bulgaria, dedicates medal to Abhinandan Varthaman

India's star wrestler Bajrang Punia has won gold medal at Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov tournament in Ruse, Bulgaria and dedicated victory to Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Punia, a World Championship silver medallist, overpowered Jordan Oliver of USA 12-3 in 65kg freestyle final to begin season on a resounding te in Bulgarian city. Indian also secured maximum ranking points from tournament.

"I want to dedicate my gold to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He has inspired me. I want to meet him one day and also shake hands with him," Punia tweeted after his victory.

IAF pilot Varthaman returned to India from captivity in Pakistan on March 1 night after a suspenseful wait lasting hours, which is being seen as a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

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Punia, who bagged top prize at  Commonwealth Games and  Asian Games last year, has won four gold medals and one silver in last five tournaments.

This was Punia's 10th medal in as many international tournaments since failing to finish at podium in 2017 World Championships in Paris.

Earlier, Pooja Dhanda claimed gold in 59 kg while Sakshi Malik won silver in 65 kg women's freestyle.

In men's freestyle events, Sandeep Tomar h to be content with a silver in 61kg.

India may d to ir gold tally as Vinesh Phogat is scheduled to play her final in 53kg against China's Qianyu Pang of China. Vinesh beat World Championships silver medallist Sarah Hildebrandt in semifinals on Saturday. This is Vinesh's first tournament since moving to 53kg from 50kg.

Sarita Mor won a silver in women's 59kg though she lost to her compatriot Dhanda.

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