Commonwealth Games 2022: Mohit Grewal continues streak, wins bronze in wrestling

Indian wrestler Mohit Grewal continued the country’s streak of winning wrestling medals at the Commonwealth Games 2022, as he bagged the bronze medal in the men’s 125kg freestyle event on Friday, August 5. The 23-year-old defeated Jamaican wrestler Aaron Johnson in a victory by fall (VFA) (6-0) to bag the bronze medal at the Coventry Arena.

Mohit’s bronze means that India has now won six medals in wrestling, including three gold medals. It is also the country’s second bronze medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022 after Divya Kakran won another in the women’s 68kg category. It is also the first CWG medal in the career of Mohit Grewal, who made his games debut in Birmingham this year.

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Apart from Mohit and Divya, Anshu Malik (silver), Bajrang Punia (gold), Sakshi Malik (gold), and Deepak Punia (gold) have won medals in wrestling at the ongoing edition of the mega event. Mohit’s medal victory means India’s total tally now stands at 26, including eight gold medals, at the fifth spot in the table behind Australia, England, Canada and New Zealand.

The youngster rose as a surprise medal contender for India, however, began brightly. He beat Alexios Kaouslidis of Cyprus 10-1 in the quarterfinal to begin his campaign. It was followed by an unfortunate 12-2 defeat in the semifinal for the Indian youngster against Amarveer Dhesi of Canada, who forced Grewal to advance to the bronze medal match instead.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Deepak Punia beats 86kg defending champion, secures India’s third wrestling gold

Mohit faced Jamaica’s Aaron Johnson in the bronze medal match, whom he beat by VFA (6-0) to win his first bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. He also handed the Indian wrestling contingent its sixth medal at the event.

Friday’s showing by the Indian wrestlers at the Commonwealth Games 2022 means that the discipline has become the second most successful sport for the country in the ongoing edition of the tournament with six medals, following weightlifting (10 medals) at the top.