Sunil Kumar becomes first Indian to win Greco-Roman gold in Asian Championship

In a stunning performance, Sunil Kumar created history by becoming first Indian ever to win a Greco Roman gold medal in Asian Wrestling Championship held at KD Jadav Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.

Sunil, who had won a silver medal in last edition, grappled down Azat Salidiv of Kyrgyzstan 5-0 in 87kg summit bout to win India's first-ever gold medal in  championship's 27 years history.  Earlier, Kumar was down 1-8 in his semifinal bout against his Kazakh opponent Azamat Kustubayev but made a great comeback, grabbing 11 points on trot to win bout at 12-8.

Arjun Halakurki to play against Donghyeok won in bronze medal playoff

Earlier in day, Arjun Halakurki (55kg) lost his semi-final bout from a winning position and went on to lose bout 7-8 against Iran’s Pouya Mohammad Naserpour. Arjun will w be playing against up against Korea’s Donghyeok won in bronze medal playoff.

READ | Sunil Reaches Second Successive Final At Asian Wrestling

Mehar Singh also lost out his last four bout. Up against Minseok Kim of Korea, Mehar lost out tamely to Korean by 1-9 margin. Mehar made it to Indian team at last minute just 3 days before Asian Wrestling, as India’s number one in 130 kg, Naveen pulled out of event due to injury. Mehar replaced Naveen and won his opening bout against Daler  Rakhmatov of Uzbekistan.

READ | Gowda Will Get Fair Trial To Prove Himself: Sports Minister

In first qualification bout of day, Sajan who was one of India’s big medal hopes lost in a disappointing manner. He was pitted against Under 23 Asian Champion of 2019 Renat Iliazuulu of Kyrgyzstan in first round.  Indian wrestler could t match initial onslaught of Iliazuulu and lost out 6-9. Sachin Rana (63kg) faced a massive loss against Elmurat Tasmuradov by a margin of 8-0. He was n pitted against Yernur Fidakhmetov of Kazakhstan where he could t muster much of a challenge and went down 6-3 in his Repech bout.

READ | Rijiju Calls Inter-university Event 'Khelo India University Games' A 'revolutionary' Step

READ | Lewis Hamilton Calls Laureus Award Shared With Messi A Huge Hour; Bats For Inclusivity