Tokyo Olympics: 'I want to come back with a medal,' says wrestler Bajrang Punia

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia said that he wants to avoid drama early in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on the way to his eventual goal of returning with a medal from the games starting July 23. Speaking to The Times of India ahead of the games, Punia said, "I want to come back with a medal. I am working on not giving points early."

The gold medallist in Asian and Commonwealth Games, the second seed in the 65kg category of men's wrestling, the 27-year old star wrestler would be hoping as all of India to bring back the country's first gold medal in the Olympics.

Punia said that the coach Emzarios Bentinidis keeps him telling that he will be spent till the time he reaches the medal rounds if he keeps getting a come-from-behind victory, which takes a lot of effort. However, the recent criticism of him, or the only weakness many have been able to point out is of leg defence, however, the Haryana wrestler isn't too bothered about that.

Just focusing on leg defence is not the solution," Punia said. "When the opponent starts getting tired and fatigue sets in him, that's when I pounce on and attack and accumulate points. My style is more on the lines of working hard for my win. I am not able to play the technical game like the other 65kg wrestlers do.

"My strong point is power and endurance. That helps me to come back (in a bout)," he added.

Russian wrestler Gadzhimurad is the top seed in the category, but Punia suggested that the 10-12 wrestlers in his category are all strong, 'who could beat anyone on their day'.

Punia will be seen in action on August 6 and 7. The games end on August 8.