Sport · India Bureau
Punia Claims Bronze at Asian Games 2026 in 97kg Wrestling
Indian wrestler Deepak Punia recovered from a semifinal setback to secure a bronze medal in the 97kg category at the Asian Games 2026. The performance marks a redemptive result for the grappler after his late-stage tournament exit.
LSN India ·
Deepak Punia bounced back from disappointment in the semifinals to claim a bronze medal in the 97kg wrestling event at the Asian Games 2026. The Indian wrestler, who fell short in his bid to reach the final, regrouped for the third-place playoff bout and emerged victorious.
The bronze finish represents a strong comeback for Punia, who was unable to advance through the semifinals despite his earlier performances in the tournament. In wrestling competitions, wrestlers eliminated from the medal rounds typically compete in repechage rounds for the opportunity to contest for bronze medals.
Punia's medal adds to India's wrestling contingent at the biennial multi-sport event. Indian wrestlers have historically been among the nation's medal-winning performers at the Asian Games, competing across multiple weight categories in both freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines.
The 97kg category remains a competitive weight division in Asian wrestling, with strong representation from wrestlers across the continent. Punia's achievement underscores the depth of wrestling talent within India's roster for the 2026 Games.