Shanghai, Oct 23 (UNI) Praveen Kumar scripted history on Wednesday as he became the first Indian (Male) to win a gold medal at the Wushu World Championships after beating Russel Diaz of Philippines in the 48kg category.
Praveen defeated his Filipino opponent 2-1 in the men's sanda event of the 15th World Wushu Championships. He had earlier defeated Uzbekistan’s Khasan Ikromov 2-0 in the semifinal on Tuesday, to set the summit clash with Diaz.
In 2017, Pooja Kadian became the first Indian to be crowned world champion in Wushu, after defeating Evgeniya Stepanova of Russia in the women's 75 kg sanda event.
Among other Indians, 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 sanda event, with one gold, two silvers and a bronze.
Wushu sanda is a type of martial art, which combines full-contact kickboxing, including close range punches and kicks, with wrestling, takedowns, throws, sweeps and kick catches.
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