Praveen Kumar wins Gold in Wushu World Championship

Praveen Kumar has scripted the history by becoming the first Indian man to win a gold medal at Wushu World Championships. He defeated Russel Diaz of Philippines with 2-1 in the 48kg category event. The Indian saw off his Filipino opponent in men’s Sanda event of 15th World Wushu Championships held in Shanghai, China.

What is Wushu? It is a Chinese martial art which combines full-contact kickboxing, including close-range punches and kicks, with wrestling, throws, takedowns, kick catch and sweeps.

Key Highlights

In the semi-final, Praveen had earlier defeated Khasan Ikromov of Uzbekistan’ with 2-0 to set up the summit clash with Diaz.

India has finished third overall in championship in event with a gold, 2 silvers and a bronze.

Other Indian Winner:

Poonam in women’s 75kg category and Sanathoi Devi in women’s 52kg category secured silver medals.

Vikrant Baliyan bagged bronze in men’s 60kg category.

NOTE: In 2017, Pooja Kadian became the first Indian to be crowned world champion in wushu after she defeated Russia’s Evgeniya Stepanova in women’s 75 kg sanda event.