After clinching a second gold medal at the Matteo Pallicone Ranking Series in Rome, ace Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia regained his number 1 spot in the world rankings.

Punia defeated Tulga Tumur Ochir of Mongolia 2-2 by criteria in the 65 kg freestyle event final, which was played on March 8.

He rallied to win after getting a two-pointer in the last 30 seconds of the bout.

It may be mentioned here that the 27-year-old wrestler was playing his first international competition since the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made full use of the tournament before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics.

Before the start of the event, Punia was placed second in the rankings. He now has 14 points in the 65-kg-category as he clinched the top spot.

Bajrang Punia in 2020 defeated USA's Jordan Oliver in the final to clinch the gold medal at the tournament.

The ace India grappler had earned a quota for the Tokyo Olympics in September 2019 after winning a bronze medal at the World Championships.

The prestigious quadrennial event is set to take place from July 23 to August 8 this year.

Even though the prestigious event was scheduled for 2020, however, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indian fans are expecting a gold medal from Bajrang Punia at the Tokyo Olympics and with this victory, the hopes have gathered new wings.