Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia is a name that needs no introduction when it comes to Indian wrestling. Born on February 26, 1994, in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, Bajrang Punia is an Indian wrestler who has made a significant impact in the sport of wrestling in India. With his talent and hard work, Bajrang Punia has made a name for himself in the world of wrestling and has become an inspiration for many young wrestlers in the country.
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Early Life of Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia, an Indian freestyle wrestler, was born on 26 February 1994, in Khudan, Jhajjar, Haryana. He was encouraged to pursue wrestling by his father at the age of seven. Punia grew up in a rural area where his family couldn’t afford traditional sports. As a result, he took up free sports like wrestling and kabaddi. At a young age, Punia’s family enrolled him in a local mud wrestling school where he began skipping school to go to wrestling practice.
Education
In 2008, Bajrang Punia went to Chattarsal Stadium, where he was trained by Ramphal Mann. In 2015, his family moved to Sonepat so that he could attend a regional center of Sports Authority of India. After completing his studies, Punia joined the Indian Railways and now works as a Gazetted Officer OSD Sports.
Professional Life
Punia’s wrestling career began in 2013 when he participated in the Asian Wrestling Championships held in New Delhi. He won the bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 60 kg category. Punia continued his success by winning the bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest the same year.
In 2014, Bajrang Punia participated in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland, and won a silver medal in the men’s freestyle 61 kg category. In 2015, he received the Arjuna Award, which is awarded by the Indian government for outstanding achievements in sports.
Punia’s success continued, and in 2019 he was awarded the Padma Shri Award and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. He won the bronze medal in the 65-kg weight category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Kazakhstan’s Daulet Niyazbekov with an 8-0 margin. This made him the only Indian wrestler to win four medals at the World Wrestling Championships.
Personal Life
Bajrang Punia is married to fellow wrestler Sangeeta Phogat, and he enjoys seeking out knowledge from his village elders. Punia’s success has made him a role model for many young wrestlers in India.
Sub-Headlines
Early Life: Rural upbringing, Wrestling passion
Education: Training at Chattarsal Stadium, Moving to Sonepat
Professional Life: Medals at Asian Wrestling Championships, World Wrestling Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Awards, Olympic Medal.
Personal Life: Married to Sangeeta Phogat, Passion for learning from elders
Bajrang Punia’s story is a testament to the power of passion and determination. Despite growing up in a rural area, he pursued wrestling with great enthusiasm, which has resulted in a remarkable career. Punia’s success has made him a household name in India and an inspiration to many young wrestlers. His achievements at the Olympics and other prestigious events have brought glory to India and made Punia a national hero.
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FAQ
Who is Bajrang Punia's wife?
Bajrang Punia is married to fellow Indian wrestler Sangeeta Phogat. Born on March 5, 1998, Sangeeta is a member of the renowned Phogat wrestling family. The couple tied the knot on November 25, 2020, in Balali, Haryana. Their union symbolizes the coming together of two prominent wrestling families in India.
What Olympic medals has Bajrang Punia won?
Bajrang Punia secured a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 65 kg wrestling category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite a knee injury during the competition, he showcased resilience and determination. In the bronze medal match, Bajrang delivered a dominant performance, defeating Kazakhstan’s Daulet Niyazbekov with a decisive 8–0 scoreline. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, adding to India’s wrestling accolades on the Olympic stage.
How old is Bajrang Punia?
Born on February 26, 1994, Bajrang Punia is currently 31 years old. Hailing from Khudan village in Jhajjar district, Haryana, he began his wrestling journey at a young age, inspired by his father’s involvement in the sport. Over the years, Bajrang has risen to prominence in international wrestling, earning multiple accolades and representing India on prestigious platforms, including the Olympics and World Wrestling Championships.
What are Bajrang Punia's major wrestling achievements?
Bajrang Punia has an illustrious wrestling career with numerous accolades. He is the only Indian wrestler to have won four medals at the World Wrestling Championships. His achievements include a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and a silver medal at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships in Nursultan. Additionally, he clinched a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the men’s freestyle 65 kg category. These accomplishments have solidified his reputation as one of India’s premier wrestlers.
How has Bajrang Punia performed in the Asian Games?
Bajrang Punia has had notable performances in the Asian Games. In the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, he secured a silver medal in the men’s freestyle 61 kg category. He elevated his performance in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, clinching the gold medal in the 65 kg category, marking a significant highlight in his career. However, during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Bajrang faced challenges and did not secure a medal, losing the bronze medal bout to Japan’s Kaiki Yamaguchi in the men’s 65 kg wrestling division.
What is Bajrang Punia's height?
Bajrang Punia stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (1.66 meters). His stature, combined with rigorous training and technique, has contributed to his success in the 65 kg weight category in freestyle wrestling. His physical attributes, complemented by his dedication, have made him a formidable opponent on the mat.
Are Bajrang Punia and Deepak Punia related?
Despite sharing the same surname and both being prominent Indian wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Deepak Punia are not related by blood. The surname “Punia” is common in Haryana, and while both athletes hail from this state and have made significant contributions to Indian wrestling, their familial backgrounds are distinct. Their shared dedication to the sport has, however, brought them together in various national training camps and competitions.
What is Bajrang Punia's constituency?
As of February 2025, Bajrang Punia has not contested any electoral seat and, therefore, does not represent a specific constituency. He joined the Indian National Congress in September 2024 and was appointed as the Working President of the All India Kisan Congress, focusing on agricultural issues rather than electoral politics. While he has been actively involved in advocating for farmers’ rights and athlete welfare, he has not announced plans to contest elections from any constituency. In contrast, fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat contested and won from the Julana constituency in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections.
What is Bajrang Punia's net worth?
As of 2024, Bajrang Punia’s estimated net worth is around $2 million (approximately ₹15 crore INR). His income sources include earnings from wrestling championships, government rewards, and his position as a Gazetted Officer (OSD Sports) with Indian Railways. His consistent performances and endorsements have contributed significantly to his financial standing.
How did Bajrang Punia perform at the Tokyo Olympics?
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Bajrang Punia showcased commendable resilience. Competing in the men’s freestyle 65 kg category, he advanced through the initial rounds with determination. After a setback in the semifinals, Bajrang faced Kazakhstan’s Daulet Niyazbekov in the bronze medal match. Demonstrating superior technique and control, he secured an 8–0 victory, earning the bronze medal and adding a significant accolade to his wrestling career.
