SPORTS DESK
Praveen Kumar has became the first Indian man to win a Wushu World Championships gold, beating Russel Diaz of Philippines in the 48kg category in Shanghai. The Indian saw off his Filipino opponent 2-1 in the men’s Sanda event of the 15th World Wushu Championships.
Praveen had earlier defeated Uzbekistan’s Khasan Ikromov 2-0 in the semi-final on Tuesday to set up the summit clash with Diaz.
Among other Indians in the fray, Poonam (women’s 75kg) and Sanathoi Devi (women’s 52kg) secured silver medals while Vikrant Baliyan bagged the bronze in the men’s 60kg category.
India finished third overall in the championship in event with a gold, two silvers and a bronze.
Wushu is a Chinese martial art which combines full-contact kickboxing, including close-range punches and kicks, with wrestling, takedowns, throws, sweeps and kicks catch.