Bronze medallist Pooja Dhanda reveals why she loves wrestling over judo

Dhanda recently won a bronze in Budapest by defeating 2017 European champion Grace Jacob Bullen.

By Maleeva Rebello, ET Bureau | Nov 06, 2018, 07.31 AM IST

Grapple with this: It took six years and one gutsy woman to bring home a medal from the wrestling World Championship. Pooja Dhanda, 24, recently won a bronze in Budapest, defeating 2017 European champion Grace Jacob Bullen. But before wrestling, Dhanda was turning heads in judo. Though it’s almost a decade since she changed her sport, Dhanda is still reaping the advantages of learning the Japanese martial art.

“Judo, just like wrestling, uses more of the upper body, so we can use judo attacks in wrestling as well, ” she told ETPanache at a recent event in Mumbai. “I don’t miss judo but always remember the good things I experienced as a judoka. I won medals in three international competitions, which are good memories. But I enjoy wrestling more. It is the best sport for me,” she said.

The Gems Of India Continue To Shine Bright: Power Girls Making Us Proud At Asian Games

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She came on the field, she played like a hero and left the stadium with more than a medal. What she wore was a sense of glory, victory and the honour of making her country proud. This is what the winners at the Asian Games have been living.

The ongoing games have seen strong and talented women bring home joy and glory.

Here's a look the women from Team India who are winning our hearts.

In Pic: Tennis player Ankita Raina (L), Shooter Rahi Sarnobat (C) and Wrestler Vinesh Phogat (R).