2022/08/deepak-punia-sportstiger.jpg

India was banking on its wrestlers for medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 and the wrestling contingent has not disappointed the nation. On Friday, wrestlers Anshu Malik, Bajrang Punia, Deepak Punia, and Sakshi Malik all reached the finals to guarantee India at least 4 silver medals.

While Anshu defeated Sri Lanka's Nethmi Poruthotage 10-0 to reach the gold medal match of the Women's Freestyle 57 kg wrestling, Bajrang secured a place in the finals by beating England's George Ramm 10-0 in the men's Men's Freestyle 65 kg category.

Later, Sakshi Malik also dominated her opponent Cameroon's Berthe Emilienne Etane Ngolle as she won the contest 10-0 to reach the finals of the Women's Freestyle 62 kg category. Meanwhile, Deepak Punia was the only one among the four wrestlers to concede a point yet managed to reach the final by beating Canada's Alexander Moore 3-1 in the Men's Freestyle 86 kg category.

This is set to be a huge boost to India's medal tally. While the country will hope for the maximum out of these 4 to be converted into gold medals which will result in a higher ranking for them at the medals tally, this is only the beginning with several more contenders having their matches later in the competition.

Perhaps the biggest name among the remaining wrestler is that of Vinesh Phogat who will have her turn at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday with her Women's Freestyle 53 kg event set to start at approximately 3 pm (IST). She will take on Nigeria's Mercy Bolafunoluwa Adekuoroye.

For now, the whole of India is waiting for the medal matches of the events lined up today which will commence at 09:30 pm (IST).