Jhajjar village rejoices with sweets, crackers

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, August 20

Before wrestler Bajrang Punia entered the ring for the final bout at Asian Games in Jakarta (Indonesia) on Sunday evening, residents of his native Khuddan village were confident of his success. So much so they had bought sweets and crackers, and arranged drums much before the final match started.

And Punia’s win sent them into a state of delirium. The celebrations continued till late in the night. Many of them called up Bajrang’s parents, who live in Sonepat district, congratulating them on their son’s tough 11-8 win over Japan’s Takatani Daichi in the 65-kg freestyle category.

“Since Bajrang has been in good form, we were confident of his win,” villager Pradeep Punia said, adding that villagers were now expecting an Olympic gold from him.

Bajrang’s proud uncle Ranbir said, “Bajrang wins medals in every championship and gives us a reason to cheer.”

Ajit Singh, a former sarpanch of Khuddan village, said Bajrang had become an inspiration for youths who want to make a career in wrestling.