Janakpurdham, December 7

Sangita Dhami claimed historic gold medal in wrestling competition under the 13th South Asian Games here today.

Dhami defeated Sakira Sarkar Rene of Bangladesh 4-1 in the final to end Nepal’s gold drought in wrestling.

The 19-year-old from Bhimdutta Municipality of Kanchanpur, Dhami claimed gold medal in her maiden appearance in the SA Game and that came with lone victory as only two wrestlers were in fray in the 55kg weight category.

Nepal had previously bagged two silvers and 10 bronze medals in seven outings.

Dharma Raj Yadav won Nepal’s first silver in the 10th SA Games in Colombo in 2006, while Satindra Yadav came second in the next edition held in Dhaka in 2010.

Dhami expressed her happiness for being able to win gold in just two years time. “I started playing wrestling two years ago and I am extremely happy to claim the historic gold medal,” said Dhami.

“The credit goes to the coaches who trained me well. I was confident of winning gold and the dream came true.”

“I was a novice in the sport when I got the call for selection from coach Rajendra Chand. That call for the selection of the SA Games boosted my morale and the techniques taught by coach Brahma Dev Yadav and others helped me win the gold medal today,” added Dhami.

“I got the result today and it has inspired me to do well in the days to come,” said Dhami, who dedicated the medal to her mother.

Nepali wrestlers also bagged one silver and three bronze medals on the first day of the competition. Ambika Bhandari finished second in women’s 57kg weight category, while Suresh Chunara (70kg), Buni Lal Yadav (79kg) and Raj Yadav (125kg) won bronze medals.

India bagged four gold medals, while Bangladesh claimed a silver and Sri Lanka got three bronze medals.