Deepak
Nehra, an 18-year-old wrestler from Rohtak, won a bronze medal for India in the
97-kg wrestling category at Commonwealth Games 2022 on Saturday. He edged out
Pakistan’s Tayab Raza Awan to clinch his podium finish. Nehra is competing in
his first Commonwealth Games. Nehra’s medal ensured India won a medal in all 12
categories at Birmingham.

Nehra
received a bye in his preliminary round and then went up against Nishan Ahlawat representing Canada. Ahlawat is a junior Pan-American champion from 2017. Deepak Nehra lost to Ahlawat and went to the bronze round while Ahlawat proceeded to the gold bout. 

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In the bronze match, Deepak Nehra was up against Tayab Raza from Pakistan. Raza is the grandchild of Din Muhammad, the man who won Pakistan its first Asian Games medal in 1954. 

Nehra and Raza fought a close match. Deepak opened with a well-executed fireman’s throw gaining two points. Tayab Raza managed to bring down the deficit to 3-2 just before break. In the second period, Deepak came out all guns blazing. 

He eventually won the bout comfortably with a 10-2 margin. 

Also Read | Commonwealth Games 2022: 19-year-old Indian wrestler Deepak Nehra claims bronze medal

Indian wrestlers have had a dream run at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. They won 12 medals in all 12 categories, including six gold medals. The gold medal winners are: Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar Dahiya, Shakshi Malik, Deepak Punia and Naveen. 

Anshu Malik was the only silver medal winner. Divya Kakran, Mohit, Pooja Gehlot, Pooja Sihag and Deepak Nehra won bronze. 

Following Deepak Nehra’s win, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Another wrestler, another laurel for India! Glad that Deepak Nehra has won the Bronze medal in the CWG22 Freestyle Wrestling event. Deepak has displayed remarkable grit and commitment. My best wishes to him for his upcoming endeavours. #Cheer4India