NEW DELHI: Another star Indian athlete will miss the National Games, robbing the multi-sport event of some sheen. After Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, it’s the turn of reigning Commonwealth Games and Asian Games champion Bajrang Punia to give the 36th edition of the Games a miss due to the unfortunate head injury he suffered at the wrestling World Championships in Belgrade.
Bajrang, who became the first-ever Indian wrestler with two or more medals at the World Championships, had originally planned to compete for his home state of Haryana in the men’s freestyle 65kg category. But he withdrew due to a deep cut on his skull, which he sustained during his pre-quarterfinal bout against Cuban Alejandro Valdes Tobier.
The injury has left Bajrang with five stitches and it will take about 10 days for the cut to heal up.
“I won’t be competing at the Games because of my head injury. It’s unfortunate that it has happened so close to the event. The cut is fresh and will take time to heal,” Bajrang said.
