Asian Wrestling Championships: Lalit Eyes Gold in 55kg Greco-Roman; Aman and Sunil Kumar Seek Bronze
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) Former U-23 Asian Championships bronze medalist Lalit is set to compete for the gold in the men’s 55kg Greco-Roman division at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, this Tuesday. Meanwhile, two other Indian wrestlers will strive for bronze in their respective categories.
The 23-year-old Lalit showcased his prowess by defeating China’s Huoying Shi with an impressive score of 11-3 in the semifinals. On the opening day, Indian wrestlers had a mixed performance as Aman (77kg Greco-Roman) and former champion Sunil Kumar (87kg Greco-Roman) faced defeats in their semifinals.
Lalit, who recently earned a bronze at the Muhamet Malo Wrestling meet last month, will face 2025 Asian Championships bronze medalist Ikhtiyor Botirov from Uzbekistan next, after Botirov's victory against local favorite Ulan Uulu with a score of 5-3 in the second semifinal.
In the 77kg Greco-Roman semifinal, Aman lost to Iran's Ali Oskou, a Zagreb Open gold medalist, by a score of 13-3. The Indian wrestler had previously overturned a 1-4 deficit to secure a win against China’s Halishan Bahejiang in the quarterfinals. Aman is now set to compete against Yeonghun Noh from South Korea in the bronze medal match. In the 87kg Greco-Roman division, Sunil Kumar was defeated by Gholamreza Farokhisenjani of Iran, with a score of 0-8.
In the 65kg Greco-Roman category, Sunny Kumar was eliminated in the qualification round by Kazakhstan's Saifulla Kurman. Additionally, Joginder Rathee faced defeat in the men’s 130kg Greco-Roman quarterfinals against South Korea’s Minseok Kim. Following this, Minseok lost in the semifinal against Iran's Mirzazadeh, ending any hopes for an Indian repechage.
On Tuesday, five more Indian wrestlers—Sahil (60kg GR), Sachin Sahrawat (67kg GR), Anil (72kg GR), Prince (82kg GR), and Nitesh (97kg GR)—will also be in action.