Bajrang Punia Biography | A Role Model for Aspiring Wrestlers Everywhere

Last Updated on 4 June 2023 by Biographybliss Team

Bajrang Punia Biography is very interesting and amazing. Bajrang Punia is one of the most renowned Indian wrestlers who has brought laurels to the country by winning several medals in international tournaments. He competes in the 65-kg weight category in freestyle wrestling and is known for his agility, strength, and technique.

He has won medals in the Asian Wrestling Championship, Commonwealth Games, and World Wrestling Championships.

He had also won the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2019. In this overview, we will take a look at Bajrang Punia’s wrestling career, personal life, and achievements.

Bajrang Punia Biography: Accomplishments and Awards

Bajrang Punia is a renowned Indian wrestler who has achieved an array of accomplishments throughout his career. Punia has been honored with several awards for his dedication and contribution to wrestling in India, including the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

Punia’s medal tally is quite impressive. He has won gold, silver, and bronze medals in various tournaments and competitions, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championship.

In the 2018 Asian Games, he won a gold medal, defeating Takatani Daichi of Japan in the 65-kg weight category.

He also won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia, in 2018. In 2019, at the World Wrestling Championships in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Punia won his second consecutive medal, earning a bronze at the 65-kg weight category.

Punia’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, and he has received cash prizes from different organizations and governing bodies.

The Haryana government awarded him INR 3 crore (approximately USD 400,000) for his gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

He also received a cash prize of INR 20 lakh (approximately USD 27,000) from the Sports Authority of India and the Olympic Association for his gold medal win at the Commonwealth Games.

Bajrang Punia is an inspiration to many in the world of wrestling and a deserving recipient of numerous accolades. His dedication, passion, and hard work have made him one of the most successful athletes in the country, and his accomplishments will continue to inspire future generations of Indian wrestlers.

Early Life

Bajrang Punia is a prominent Indian wrestler who has made a name for himself both nationally and internationally.

Born on February 26, 1994, in Khudan village in Jhajjar district of Haryana, Punia hails from a family dedicated to traditional sports, with his father Balvan Singh Punia being a former wrestler.

Growing up in a wrestling family, Punia was introduced to the sport at a young age and started practicing under the guidance of his father.

His passion for wrestling led him to pursue the sport professionally, and he has since become a celebrated athlete and inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers across the country.

Early Years and Education

Hailing from a family with a wrestling background, Bajrang’s father, Balvan Singh Punia, started encouraging him to participate in traditional sports such as wrestling at a tender age.

He was born into the Jat community, which has produced many illustrious wrestlers in India’s history.

Bajrang Punia began his wrestling journey at the age of seven. His father’s inspiration and guidance helped him start his training in mud pits dug in their fields. After noticing Bajrang’s talent for the sport, his father moved him to an akhara in Sonepat to receive better training opportunities while he was still young.

Along with his father’s support and guidance, Bajrang Punia’s family was also supportive of his passion for wrestling. Although there is limited information available regarding his schooling, it is known that his wrestling career led him to leave school and become a professional wrestler.

Bajrang Punia’s love for wrestling and his father’s dedication to his training paid off when he began to make a name for himself in wrestling championships.

These early years of training and hard work laid the foundation for a successful wrestling career, with numerous accomplishments in national and international tournaments.

Family Background

Bajrang Punia has four siblings – two brothers and two sisters. His elder brother, Harendra Punia, is a farmer by profession and was also a wrestler at the local level. His younger brother, Yogesh, is currently pursuing wrestling and has represented India at international tournaments. Bajrang’s sisters, Vinesh and Priyanka, are also wrestlers and have made a name for themselves in the sport.

Moreover, Bajrang Punia’s nephew, Jashan Punia, is also a wrestler and is currently training under him. Bajrang has been a mentor and guide to his nephew and hopes to see him excel in the sport.

Bajrang Punia is married to fellow wrestler Sangeeta Phogat, who is the sister of famous Indian wrestlers Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari.

The couple tied the knot in November 2018 in a traditional ceremony in Balvan Singh Punia’s village. Bajrang and Sangeeta often train and practice together, and their shared love for wrestling has only strengthened their bond.

Professional Wrestling Career

Bajrang Punia’s professional wrestling career has been nothing short of remarkable. From winning bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championship to bagging silver at the Commonwealth Games, and finally securing gold at the Asian Games, Bajrang has proven his mettle time and again. 

Early Years on the Mat

In his initial days, Bajrang Punia trained in mud wrestling school and participated in several local tournaments.

He garnered experience and skill through his participation in these tournaments and early wrestling experiences. Despite financial and infrastructure hardships, Punia was unwavering in his passion for wrestling and continued to train hard.

With time, Punia’s talent and dedication became apparent, and he was selected to join the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Sonipat for professional wrestling training.

Here, he began to hone his skills under the guidance of coach Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee, Yashvir Singh, and other professional coaches.

Under proper guidance and high-level training, Bajrang Punia underwent various upgrades in his wrestling style, focusing more on agility and technique.

Throughout his progress as a wrestler, he has been consistent in his training and has shown remarkable resilience and determination in improving his technique.

Bajrang Punia’s achievements speak volumes about his caliber as a wrestler. He has participated in several significant wrestling championships and tournaments, such as the Asian Wrestling Championships, Freestyle Wrestling event, Commonwealth Games, and the World Wrestling Championships, amongst others.

His win/loss ratio in most of these championships has been commendable, indicating his proficiency and expertise in the sport.

Bajrang Punia’s journey from his early wrestling experiences to becoming a top-rated professional wrestler has been remarkable, filled with obstacles, challenges and immense hard work and discipline.

Punia’s contribution to the Indian wrestling cannot be understated, and his continuous effort to improve his skills has made him a role model and inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Major Wins in the 2017-18 Season

Bajrang Punia had an exceptional 2017-18 wrestling season, during which he notched up several remarkable wins.

He began the season with a victory at the Asian Wrestling Championship held in Delhi, where he claimed the gold medal. In doing so, he became the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal in the 65-kg weight category at the Asian Wrestling Championships.

Bajrang Punia then set his sights on the 2018 World Wrestling Championships, held in Budapest, Hungary. There, he put up a brilliant performance, finishing in the silver medal position in the 65-kg category.

His strong showing at the event meant that he also secured the world no. 1 ranking in the weight category, a remarkable feat for the Indian wrestler.

The 2019 World Wrestling Championships held in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, saw Bajrang Punia continue his impressive form. He claimed the bronze medal in the 65-kg category, which helped secure India’s qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the same weight category.

Apart from his major wins, Bajrang Punia also became the first Indian wrestler to be invited to the iconic Indian wrestling event, the dangal, held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

He faced off against international wrestler, Hwang Ryong-hak, in front of a packed crowd, putting up an excellent show to win the match.

Participating in the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Bajrang Punia, the Indian freestyle wrestler, participated in the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. He put up an incredible display of wrestling skill, winning gold in the men’s freestyle 65 kg category after defeating Kane Charig of Wales in an intense bout.

Bajrang Punia dominated his opponents throughout the tournament, showing remarkable technique and strength.

His performance in the gold medal match was the highlight of his campaign, where he outclassed his Welsh opponent with a 10-0 scoreline. The Indian wrestler’s victory earned him wide acclaim and brought pride to his nation.

This was not the first time Bajrang Punia had won a medal in the Commonwealth Games. Previously, in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, he claimed the silver medal in the men’s freestyle 61 kg division, just missing out on gold.

However, his outstanding performance in the 2018 edition resulted in him winning the gold medal and cementing his position as one of the best wrestlers in the world.

Bajrang Punia’s triumph in the 2018 Commonwealth Games was a testament to his dedication and hard work in his wrestling career.

He continues to be an inspiration to many young wrestlers in India and around the globe, proving that success in traditional sports is achievable with perseverance and determination.

Bronze Medal at the 2018 Asian Games

Bajrang Punia added yet another feather to his cap at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia when he won a bronze medal in the Men’s freestyle 65 kg category.

Bajrang’s performance in the tournament was phenomenal as he displayed top-class technique and strength in all his bouts.

During the course of the competition, he faced some tough opponents but emerged victorious by showcasing relentless aggression and tactical brilliance.

In his opening match, Bajrang Punia took on Daulet Niyazbekov of Kazakhstan and emerged as a winner with a scoreline of 12-2. He carried forward his momentum and defeated Uzbekistan’s Sirojiddin Khasanov 13-3 in his next encounter.

In the quarterfinals, Bajrang Punia faced a tough opponent in the form of Japan’s Takatani Daichi. The Indian wrestler displayed exceptional skills and outclassed his opponent with a score of 8-3.

However, Bajrang faced a stiff challenge in his semi-final match against the Japanese wrestler, Takuto Otoguro, who eventually won the gold medal in the tournament. Despite a valiant effort, Bajrang lost the match by a narrow margin of 8-5.

Undeterred by the loss, Bajrang Punia came back strongly in his bronze medal match against Makhmudjon Shavkatov of Uzbekistan.

The Indian wrestler was in top form and did not give his opponent a chance to cause an upset. Bajrang dominated the match from the start and clinched the bronze medal with a scoreline of 10-0.

Bajrang Punia’s consistent performance throughout the tournament was a testament to his skill and talent. His ability to use various techniques such as ankle picks, single-leg takedowns and gut wrenches made him a formidable opponent for any wrestler in the Men’s freestyle 65 kg category.

Bajrang Punia’s bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games was a major achievement in the wrestler’s career. He proved once again that he is one of the best wrestlers in the world and that Indian wrestling is thriving.

Acquiring a Silver Medal at the 2019 World Championships

Bajrang Punia, the Indian freestyle wrestler, had a remarkable performance at the 2019 World Championships held in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

He secured a silver medal in his weight category, which was a significant achievement for him and Indian wrestling.

Throughout the tournament, Bajrang Punia displayed remarkable wrestling skills, technical expertise, and strength in all his bouts. He faced tough opponents but emerged victorious due to his relentless aggression, tactical brilliance, and exceptional form.

In his opening match, Bajrang Punia took on a Kazakh wrestler, Hwang Ryong-Hak, and defeated him convincingly with a score of 9-2. He then faced Tajikistan’s Nurislam Sanayev in the pre-quarterfinal match, where he displayed top-class technique and strength to win the match with a scoreline of 8-0.

In the quarterfinals, Bajrang Punia faced a formidable opponent, Mongolian wrestler Tulga Tumur Ochir. But Bajrang’s excellent skills and determination helped him win the match convincingly with a score of 8-7.

Bajrang’s most memorable match was the semi-final against the home favorite, Daulet Niyazbekov. Punia lost the match to the Kazakh wrestler but not before putting on an incredible show of athleticism, and the match ended with a score of 9-9.

Undeterred by the loss in the semi-finals, Bajrang Punia came back strongly in his bronze medal match against Mongolia’s Tulga Tumur Ochir. The Indian wrestler was in top form and did not give his opponent a chance to cause an upset. Bajrang dominated the match from the start and clinched the bronze medal with a scoreline of 8-7.

Bajrang Punia’s performance in the 2019 World Championships was exceptional, and he won the silver medal by defeating strong opponents in his weight category.

This achievement was significant for Indian wrestling, as it was the first time an Indian wrestler had won a medal in the World Championships in four years.

This achievement also had a significant impact on Bajrang Punia’s professional wrestling career. Following the tournament, he was awarded the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor.

He continued to perform at a high level in various international tournaments, including the Asian Wrestling Championship in 2021, where he won a gold medal.

In conclusion, Bajrang Punia’s silver medal at the 2019 World Championships was a testament to his skill, talent, and hard work. His exceptional performance in the tournament has had a lasting impact on Indian wrestling, and Bajrang Punia has become a legend in the sport.

Other Achievements and Projects

Apart from his World Championship and Asian Championship victories, Bajrang Punia has numerous other accomplishments to his name.

He was the gold medalist in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Asian Games, making him the only Indian wrestler to win two gold medals in consecutive editions of the Asian Games.

Bajrang Punia has also won multiple medals in various international wrestling championships.

Projects:

Bajrang Punia is not just a successful athlete but also actively involved in promoting and developing traditional sports in the country.

He has contributed to multiple projects and initiatives to support Indian wrestling and other traditional games. Punia founded a wrestling academy ‘Bajrang Wrestling Foundation’ in his village Khudan, which promotes wrestling practice and supports young wrestlers in their careers.

He is also serving as the OSD Sports (Officer on Special Duty – sports) to the Haryana Government and the Sports Authority of India and has been actively contributing towards the development of sports infrastructure in the country.

Indian Superstar Khel Ratna Award

The Indian Superstar Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor award in India. It is given to athletes who display exceptional sporting achievements and have brought forth pride and glory to the country.

To qualify, athletes must have won a medal in international tournaments over the last four years, conduct themselves with high standards of discipline, and display team spirit.

In 2019, Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia was honored with the Khel Ratna Award. The decision to award Bajrang Punia was made due to his numerous achievements in the wrestling arena.

He has won gold at the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and the World Championships, and has also won multiple medals in various international wrestling championships.

Bajrang Punia’s achievements in the field of wrestling have not only brought pride and glory to the country but have also inspired many young wrestling enthusiasts.

He is considered a role model to many aspiring wrestlers in India. Bajrang is known for his steadfast devotion to his craft and his high standards of discipline.

Besides his exceptional wrestling career, Bajrang Punia has influenced the wrestling community in India profoundly.

He often conducts free wrestling practices in his hometown, Khudan Village, and has founded a mud wrestling school to train young wrestlers.

Bajrang Punia has also shown support for fellow wrestlers and has helped wrestlers such as Sangeeta Phogat and Vinesh Phogat in their training.

Coaching Young Wrestlers

Wrestling has a rich history in India, dating back over 5,000 years. Today, the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) aims to expose Indian wrestlers to the best talent globally and prepare them for international tournaments.

Indian wrestlers undergo intense training in Akharas, which are traditional wrestling arenas where wrestlers are coached by a ‘Guru’ who is usually a Kushti champion himself.

The training in Akharas is not limited to wrestling techniques but also includes traditional exercise systems like the use of wooden clubs, push-ups, and squats.

These exercises help improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. The rigorous training and discipline instilled in wrestlers in Akharas have contributed to the success of Indian wrestlers in international tournaments.

Bajrang Punia, being a successful wrestler and a role model for aspiring wrestlers, is heavily involved in coaching young wrestlers.

He coaches at the PWL and inspires young wrestlers to pursue their passion. His involvement in the league has helped to groom young talents and has contributed to the development of wrestling in India.

Bajrang Punia’s coaching has helped wrestlers like Sangeeta Phogat and Vinesh Phogat to improve their skills and achieve success in their respective categories.

Recent Performance and Projects

Bajrang Punia, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, has had a remarkable recent performance, culminating in a historic win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He won a bronze medal in the 65 kg weight category, becoming only the seventh Indian wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics.

Bajrang had a tough draw at the Olympics, facing Kyrgyzstan’s Ernazar Akmataliev in his pre-quarterfinal match. However, he dominated the match from start to finish, securing an easy 8-0 victory.

He carried that form into the quarterfinals, where he faced Mongolia’s Munkhbat Batmagnai. Bajrang overcame a tough challenge from the Mongolian wrestler to win the match 5-3.

In the semi-finals, Bajrang faced off against Hwang Ryong-Hak of North Korea. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Bajrang lost the match 8-12.

However, he bounced back in style, winning his bronze medal match against Daulet Niyazbekov of Kazakhstan. Bajrang dominated the match, winning 8-0 and clinching a well-deserved bronze medal.

Apart from his success at the Olympics, Bajrang has enjoyed a string of victories in recent international tournaments.

He won a gold medal at the 2021 Asian Wrestling Championships, where he beat Kazakhstan’s Azamat Tusupbekov in the final. His recent performances have solidified his status as one of the best Indian wrestlers of all time.

Bajrang has also been involved in several ongoing projects, including coaching and mentoring young wrestlers.

He has been actively involved in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) as both a wrestler and coach.

Through his coaching, he has helped several young wrestlers improve their skills and achieve success in their respective categories.

In addition, Bajrang is a recipient of several prestigious awards and accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri.

He continues to inspire aspiring wrestlers across India and remains a key figure in the development of wrestling in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bajrang Punia is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished Indian wrestlers of all time. His list of achievements is impressive, including multiple medals at international tournaments and a bronze medal at the Olympics. Despite controversies surrounding his training and selection, he has remained focused on his goals and emerged as a champion time and time again.

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