Next target is Asian Games, 2024 Olympics, says Naveen

BIRMINGHAM: After clinching the gold medal in the Men's Freestyle 74kg category final, Naveen said that he will focus on performing better in Asian Games and 2024 Paris Olympics. Indian wrestler Naveen won the gold medal in the Men's Freestyle 74kg category final after defeating Pakistan's Muhammad Sharif Tahir in the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022.

He defeated Muhammad Sharif Tahir at the Coventry Arena Wrestling Mat B on Saturday.

"I'm very happy that I won a gold medal for the country. I prepared well & executed it. I played without any pressure and felt happy to beat a Pakistani player. My next target is Asian Games and 2024 Olympics," Naveen told ANI.

Naveen sealed a 9-0 victory by points against Tahir in the gold medal match and clinched India's third gold of the day at the CWG. Naveen was dominant in the first period and did not let his opponent take any points. The Indian grappler took a 2-0 lead in the first period by pinning his opponent.

In the final three minutes, Naveen managed to hold his ground with a powerful grip on his opponent, pinning and rolling the Pakistani wrestler in the ring to walk away with a gold medal. So far, Indian athletes have won 40 medals, 13 golds, 11 silvers and 16 bronze, at the Commonwealth Games 2022.