Grappler Ravinder Singh earned India its first gold medal in wrestling in the 60kg Greco-Roman style event at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex here today.
Ravinder defeated England's Christopher Terence Bosson 7-2 in the final to run away with the top honours in front of the sparse crowd here.
Ravinder was a picture of concentration against Bosson as inspite of finding himself in difficult situations twice in the bout, he stood firm and came out with flying colours.
After some initial exchanges, the Indian scored two quick points to end the opening round with a 2-0 lead.
But the real show of his character came in the second round when he found himself twice in disadvantegous position but displayed sound technical acumen to win the encounter 7-2 and pocket India's third gold in the Games.
Right from the start, Ravinder was in his elements as he spanked Sri Lanka's ASSD Kumara 13-0 in his opening bout and then outclassed Nigerian Romeo Joseph 8-0 in the semifinals.
While Bosson had to be satisfied with silver, the bronze in this category went to Romeso James of Nigeria.
Earlier, shooters Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narag won India its first gold medal at the 19th Commonwealth games in men's 10m air rifle pair event.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, shooters Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narag won India its first gold medal at the 19th Commonwealth games in men's 10m air rifle pair event.
{{/usCountry}}Rahi Sarnobat and Anisa Sayeed then followed it up with another gold in pairs 25m pistol event for women.