Bajrang Punia, Wrestler
Wrestler

Bajrang Punia

Born 26 February 1994 · Haryana

Won a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Bajrang Punia is an Indian politician and former freestyle wrestler. He has won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Punia is the only Indian wrestler to win four medals at the World Wrestling Championships. He is a multiple gold medalist at the Asian Games, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championships.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Bajrang Punia was the first Indian wrestler to hold the World No.1 ranking continuously for two years before winning his Olympic bronze in 2020.

The Story

1
In 2008, a 14-year-old Bajrang Punia moved to Chattarsal Stadium, Delhi, leaving his rural village Khudan, Haryana, to train under coach Ramphal Mann, marking his first major step toward international wrestling.
2
🌟 Bajrang became the first Indian wrestler to sustain the World No.1 ranking in the 65kg freestyle category for two consecutive years, a feat achieved before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
3In the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships in New Delhi, Bajrang secured a bronze in the 60kg category by defeating competitors from Japan and Iran before losing narrowly to North Korea's Hwang Ryong-hak.
4🥉 At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Bajrang clinched the bronze medal for India in freestyle wrestling, overcoming top-tier global opponents despite training disruptions caused by nationwide lockdowns.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Arjuna Award
—
Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

At age seven, Bajrang Punia started wrestling in a local mud school in Haryana because his family couldn't afford traditional sports, steering him toward a free but physically demanding path.

🖼️

Through the Years

3 photographs from the archives
Bajrang Punia receiving the Arjuna Award from President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2015).
Bajrang Punia receiving the Arjuna Award from President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2015).
2015
Bajrang Punia being felicitated with the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind (2019).
Bajrang Punia with the wrestling contingent meeting the Prime Minister in New Delhi before Commonwealth Games (2022).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Khudan, Haryana
Bajrang Punia was born in the rural village Khudan located in Jhajjar district, Haryana, into a wrestling family.
1994
⚡
Career
Joined Chattarsal Stadium training
At age 14, Bajrang moved to Delhi’s Chattarsal Stadium to train under coach Ramphal Mann.
2008
⚡
Career
Bronze at Asian Wrestling Championships
Competed in New Delhi and won bronze in men's freestyle 60kg after key victories over Japan and Iran.
2013
🏅
Award
Olympic Bronze Medal in Tokyo
Won bronze medal in freestyle wrestling (65kg) at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite training challenges.
2020
⚡
Career
Resigned from Indian Railways
Stepped down from his Gazetted Officer post to focus on political career ahead of Haryana elections.
2024
⚡
Career
Joined Indian National Congress
Joined INC with fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, aiming to influence Haryana politics and Jat vote consolidation.
2024
⚡
Career
Became Working President of Kisan Congress
Assumed leadership role in All India Kisan Congress to advocate for farmers and laborers.
2024
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2013, Bajrang won bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championships in New Delhi by defeating Morad Hassan of Iran and Shogo Maeda of Japan before losing in the semi-finals.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Bajrang faced training challenges due to lockdowns limiting access to sparring partners, yet he secured an Olympic bronze medal.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Bajrang Punia quit his Gazetted Officer post at Indian Railways in September 2024 to enter active politics, a rare career pivot for an athlete of his stature.

“

"I believe what's in my destiny... no one can take that away from me. I just have to train hard and prepare (myself) to face my opponent."

— Bajrang Punia

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Bajrang Punia Achieved His Success By Staying Away From Mobile Phones And Films
More from this archive
Bajrang Punia Achieved His Success By Staying Away From Mobile Phones And Films
01
Bajrang Punia Achieved His Success By Staying Away From Mobile Phones And Films
Exclusive: Bajrang Punia On PT Usha And Neeraj Chopra Support To Protesting Wrestlers | English News
02
Exclusive: Bajrang Punia On PT Usha And Neeraj Chopra Support To Protesting Wrestlers | English News
In conversation with wrestler Bajrang Punia | The CSR Journal
03
In conversation with wrestler Bajrang Punia | The CSR Journal
BAJRANG PUNIA ADDRESSES THE MEDIA || CWG2022
04
BAJRANG PUNIA ADDRESSES THE MEDIA || CWG2022
Bajrang Punia Says 'Will Speak To Home Minister'; Demands Strict Action Against WFI
05
Bajrang Punia Says 'Will Speak To Home Minister'; Demands Strict Action Against WFI
Wrestler Bajrang Punia & Wrestler Ravi Dahiya Speach | पहलवान बजरंग पुनिया को एक करोड़ की ईनाम राशि
06
Wrestler Bajrang Punia & Wrestler Ravi Dahiya Speach | पहलवान बजरंग पुनिया को एक करोड़ की ईनाम राशि
Bajrang Punia Wins Gold Medal At Commonwealth games 2022
07
Bajrang Punia Wins Gold Medal At Commonwealth games 2022
Barkha Dutt LIVE | Bajrang Punia EXCLUSIVE | Delhi Police To File FIR Against BJP MP Brij Bhushan
08
Barkha Dutt LIVE | Bajrang Punia EXCLUSIVE | Delhi Police To File FIR Against BJP MP Brij Bhushan
I had promised Yogeshwar Dutt a gold medal at the Asian Games: Bajrang Punia
09
I had promised Yogeshwar Dutt a gold medal at the Asian Games: Bajrang Punia
Wrestlers Protest: Wrestler Bajrang Punia Leaves Padma Shri On Pavement Near PM Modi's Residence
10
Wrestlers Protest: Wrestler Bajrang Punia Leaves Padma Shri On Pavement Near PM Modi's Residence

🌱 What changed because of them

Bajrang Punia’s sustained global ranking and Olympic success have elevated the profile of Indian wrestling internationally, inspiring institutional support such as the Sports Authority of India regional centers. His transition into politics, especially as Working President of the All India Kisan Congress, signals a growing trend of athlete-activists influencing policies for rural and sporting communities in Haryana and beyond.

💬 Social Buzz

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