Commonwealth Games 2022: Saurav Ghosal's bronze medal-winning moment: Watch

Indian Squash veteran Saurav Ghosal created history after winning the country's first ever singles medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. He won the bronze after easily defeating former World No. 1 James Willstrop of England.

Ghosal ousted Willstrop in straight sets, 11-6, 11-1, and 11-4, and won not only India's but his maiden CWG medal as well! Watch him get emotional after his wonderful victory at the Birmingham Games:

World No.15 Ghosal dominated the contest against England's James Willstrop from beginning to end, winning 11-6 11-1 11-4 in the bronze play-off.

It was Ghosal's second CWG medal, having won a mixed doubles silver with Dipika Pallikal in the 2018 Gold Coast edition. Ghosal, playing his fourth CWG, broke into tears after the play-off against the former world number one. The medal meant the world to him and it came in probably his last appearance at CWG.

"I'm very very happy, it's a historic day for Indian squash. To be able to do this against a player of this calibre is very special. I'm happy that after all these years I have been able to win this," Ghosal said.

"This was one - a CWG singles medal - that was missing from my collection and I have played three CWGs before and to be able to pull through in my fourth attempt is even more special. I had to wait for so long," he added.

The 35-year-old Ghosal proved too strong for his 38-year-old opponent who is also at the fag end of his illustrious career. The Indian outclassed the Englishman in all aspects of the game, from court coverage to placement of his shots. Incidentally, Ghosal trained under Willstrop's father Malcolm in Pontefract for many years.

"I would like to dedicate this to my grandfather who passed away in 2020, he was very important to me and my grandmother. And also to Malcolm, who passed away last year. The player I am today is because of him. I trained with him for 10-15 years. I have practised with James a lot as well."

(With PTI inputs)