Shortly after resuming his traning following a bout with dengue, Deepak Punia was pleasantly surprised to know that he has been named "Junior Wrestler Of The Year" by United World Wrestling(UWW).
Deepak had bagged the 86kg freestyle crown in Tallinn, Estonia, August last year to become India's first world junior champion in 18 years. On tuesday, he became the first Indian wrestler and second from the country to get the international federation honour.
Late Yashvir Singh, who was adjudged 'Coach Of The Year' in 2010 by the apex body (then FILA), was the first Indian to be recognized by the international federation. Yashvir had guided Sushil Kumar, the only elite World Champion Wrestler from the country, to claim the 66kg freestyle gold medal.
Deepak, a former World cadet champion, said the UWW honour would encourage him to do better. "It's a great honour and a morale booster. But right now, all my focus is directed towards the preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. That will give me true satisfaction,"Deepak told Sportstar."
The 21 year old missed out ona rare treble when he pulled out of the 86kg final against Hassan Yazdani of Iran due to a leg injury and settled for the silver medal at the World Championships in Nur-Sultan, Kazakstan, in September last year said he would concentrate on getting back to full fitness.
"I worked on my recovery after the leg injury. Then, dengue happened. Now I am fine and started my training. I have put on some weight so I have to shed few kilos before I switch to intense training."
The wrestler from the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi aims at participating ina an exposure trip in Italy and the Asian Championships at home in the run-up to the Olympics.
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