Asian Games 2018: Wrestler Divya Kakran wins bronze

Wrestler Divya Kakran won India’s 10^th medal at the Asian Games 2018, by clinching the bronze in the 68kg freestyle category.

The 20-year-old defeated Chen Wenling of Chinese Taipei 10-0 in a one-sided contest that lasted less than 90 seconds. Divya started strongly against Wenling and very little time raced to a 6-0 lead in the first period before increasing the advantage to 10-0 to be eventually be declared the winner by a technical superiority.

Originally from Delhi, Divya who began her wresting at the young age of five had just recently clinched the silver at the Junior Asian Wrestling Championships. She was ousted in the quarter-finals but made most of her repechage opportunity, to clinch the bronze.

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Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore who has kept a close eye in the Games congratulated Divya on her bronze medal.

FANTASTIC MATCH, Divya Kakran! The star athlete has won a ? in #AsianGames2018 68 kg Freestyle Wrestling.

Her medal is a testament to her relentless hard work & determination. Exceptional performance! #IndiatAtAsianGames pic.twitter.com/dL4UsBlxUz

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 21, 2018

It was also the third medal won by the Indian wrestling contingent. Earlier Vinesh Phogat(50kg) scripted history by becoming the first Indian women wrestler to win a wrestling gold at the intercontinental event. She is also the first women’s wrestler to win a back-to-back medal at the Asiad.

Meanwhile, in the men’s category, Bajrang Punia had reigned supreme with another gold medal in the 65kg freestyle event.