Rahul Aware opened India’s wrestling gold medal account at the 21st Commonwealth Games but defending champion Babita Phogat (53kg) settled for a silver medal after being outmanoeuvred by Canada’s Diana Weicker in the summit clash here today.

Aware defeated Canada’s Steven Takahashi in an exciting contest to claim the top hours. This was the first CWG medal of his career.

Aware defeated Takahashi with a score of 15-7. The Indian, who was troubled by a groin niggle, chose to carry on and won with more than a minute left on the clock. His triumph opened India’s gold medal account in the three-day wrestling competition at the Games.

 

Rahul Aware

India’s Rahul Aware celebrates after winning the match against Canada’s Steven Takahashi in the men’s freestyle 57kg wrestling final at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, on Thursday.

 

 

“I have been waiting for this medal for the last 10 years. I can’t describe how it feels to claim it. I missed out on 2010, even in 2014, the team was sent without trials. So, I am very happy that I could finally fulfill this dream,” said the 26-year-old, who is also the reigning Commonwealth championships gold-medallist.

“My leg was troubling me for a while but I dedicate this to my guru (former CWG gold-medallist Harishchandra Birajdar) who passed away in 2011, I am happy that all the efforts I put in got the result I wanted. I have fulfilled my family’s dream. My opponent probably lacked intensity in the final few moments,” added the wrestler from Haryana.

Aware’s showdown with Takahashi was thoroughly engaging. The Indian trailed 6-7 at one stage but claimed points on takedown to recover and keep himself ahead.

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