First gold medal for India in Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games wrestling event has been won by Rahul Aware. The 26-year-old from Patoda defeated Steven Takahashi of Canada in Men's Freestyle 57 kg Gold Medal match on April 12 to take India’s gold medal count to 13 in CWG 2018. India’s overall medal tally is 27 including 6 silver and 8 bronze. They are placed on the third position in the Commonwealth Games 2018 medal table behind host country Australia and England. Just an hour ago, Babita Kumari Phogat had claimed a silver medal in Women's Freestyle 53 kg Nordic category.

In the gold medal match, Rahul Aware defeated Steven based on victory by points - with points scored by the opponent. He In period 1, he earned 2,2,2, a total of six technical points compared to Steven's 4 points. In period 2, Rahul was again at his dominant best earning a total of nine points (1,2,2,2,2) compared to his Canadian opponent's 3 points (2,1). He won the Men's Freestyle 57 kg Gold Medal 15-7 to hand India their first gold medal in a wrestling event.

The President of India Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter to extend his greetings to Rahul Aware on winning the gold medal for India in Gold Coast. He writes, "Delighted to know that Rahul Aware has won GOLD in the Men's Freestyle 57 Kg Wrestling at #GC2018 Many Congratulations #PresidentKovind"

In order to reach to the gold medal match, Rahul Aware defeated George Ramm of England, Thomas Cicchini of Australia and Muhammad Bilal of Pakistan in the semifinals. It was fantastic win for Rahul bringing smiles on the faces of the Indian supporters at Carrara Sports Arena 1. His sweet victory overshadowed the final match defeat of star wrestler Babita Kumari Phogat. With Sushil Kumar still in waiting to step on the mat for his gold medal match, the Indian boxing team looks confident of adding more medals in the Commonwealth Games 2018.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 12, 2018 01:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).