Reigning junior world champion Deepak Punia on Sunday pulled out of World Wrestling Championship due to an injury. He was all set up for final showdown with Olympic and world champion Hassan Aliazam Yazdani Charati of Iran after winning semi-finals against Switzerland’s Stefan Reichmuth. He is fourth Indian to bag silver in World Championship. two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar remains only Indian to have won a World Championships title in 2010.

Speaking to PTI, Deepak said: “ left foot is t taking lo. It’s difficult to fight in this condition. I kw it was a big chance to fight against Yazdani but I can’t help it.”

Punia gets his ticket to 2020 Olympics

19-year-old, who became youngest Indian ever to make it to final of World Championships, also booked his ticket for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Deepak, who also won World Cet title in 2016, is thus fourth Indian grappler to book his Tokyo tickets this week, following Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Ravi Kumar Dahiya. While each of m pocketed a bronze medal, Deepak will be only Indian to return home with a medal of a better colour, guaranteeing India’s best-ever finish.

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Rahul Aware to fight for Bronze

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Rahul Aware lost in semi-finals by 6-10 against Georgia’s Beko Lomtze in 61kg category. opponent started playing aggressive at start of game and le with 4-0. Although Rahul Aware came back with a powerful fight in second round, he could only man to close gap from 2-8 to 6-8. However, Rahul thrashed former Asian Champion 10-7 in 61 kg category before this game. w, Rahul will be fighting for bronze on Sunday. 

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