UWW Awards: United World Wrestling’s end-of-year awards are out and among men, two Indians made the top 3 in two categories. Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya finished third in the 57kg category while Tokyo bronze winner Bajrang Punia also had to be content with a third-place finish in the 65kg weight category.
Also read: UWW Awards: Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, Sarita Mor among Indians in top 3, check details
It was a tough fight in the 57kg weight division as all the top three medalled in the Tokyo Olympics. However, it was the World Championship that tilted the scales in Thomas Gilman’s favour who came out on top with 86 points.
UWW Awards: Ravi Dahiya, Bajrang Punia both finish third, check details
Ravi Dahiya’s silver in Tokyo and Asian Championships gold meant he finished with 64 points and came third. Olympic champion Zavur Uguev came second courtesy his Tokyo gold.
In the 65kg category, Tokyo bronze medallist Bajrang Punia finished third with 58 points. Bajrang had the chance to finish second but because he skipped the World Championships, Zagir Shakhiev overtook him courtesy his gold in Oslo.
Olympic champion Takuto Otoguro finished top with 88 points. Otoguro had 20 points for winning the gold at the Asian Championships but by winning in Tokyo, he add 68 more points and climbed up to the top spot.
UWW Awards: Ravi Dahiya, Bajrang Punia both finish third, check details
The ranking events for the 2022 season will begin with Matteo Pellicone in Rome, Italy from February 3-6 and continue to Yasar Dogu in Istanbul, Turkey from February 24-27 before the action heads to the continental championships.
Top-ranked wrestler will get $10,000 followed by $7,000 for the second-placed wrestler and $3,000 for the third-ranked wrestler. Previously the awards went to the top three overall point-getters in each style.
The 2021 prize money combines the amount that was reserved for 2020 but was not distributed due to the impact COVID-19 had on the competition.
UWW Awards: Ravi Dahiya, Bajrang Punia both finish third, check details