Ravi Dahiya ’s physical prowess and superior tactical acumen were on show yet again as he became the first Indian wrestler to win three gold medals at the Asian Championship here on Saturday.

Bajrang Punia struggled badly on his return to action but managed to grab a silver medal.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Dahiya dominated his three bouts as he outclassed the 57kg field to emerge champion.

Gourav Balian (79kg) was impressive in his silver-winning effort, while Naveen (70kg), making his senior

debut, and the seasoned Satywart Kadiyan (97kg) bagged bronze medals as all five Indians in action earned podium finishes.

Dahiya conceded early lead in all his bouts, but bounced back in tremendous fashion to give India their first gold medal of this edition. He won the final against Kazakhstan’s Rakhat Kalzhan by technical superiority.

It was his second final of the season, having won a silver at the Dan Kolov event in February.

In the title clash, Kalzhan moved ahead with a take-down and for considerable time did not let the Indian make any move. However, Dahiya began to dominate the bout with his unmatched class.

He effected six consecutive two-pointers and in-between saved himself from a left-leg attack to finish the bout early in the second period to secure India’s first gold medal of the tournament this year.