India's star wrestler Sunil Kumar created history in Asian Games 2023 as he clinched India's first Greco Roman medal in 13 years in Asiad. Sunil Kumar clinched bronze medal in the men's Greco-Roman 87kg in Hangzhou on Wednesday, October 4 to bring India glory. Facing off against Kyrgyzstan's Atabek Azisbekov, the Indian wrestler strategically maneuvered throughout the bout. On two occasions, he adeptly defended from the 'par terre' stance, preventing Azisbekov from scoring while on the ground, leading to a 2-1 triumph.
Continually moving in circles to his right, Sunil ensured Azisbekov couldn't secure a grip to elevate him.
Azisbekov was the first to score with a passivity point during the initial period. However, Sunil soon equalized, capitalizing on Azisbekov's passivity. Most of the bronze play-off saw defensive moves from both sides.
The Indian contingent effectively contested a two-point decision by the referee in Azisbekov's favor. Although Azisbekov succeeded in propelling Sunil out, he lacked control during the push-out. Leading on criteria, Sunil clinched a crucial point when his adversary failed a challenge.
Recalling history, India had secured two bronze medals in Greco Roman at the Guangzhou edition in 2010, credited to Ravinder Singh (60kg) and Sunil Kumar Rana (66kg).
In the current competition, Sunil commenced with a tight 4-3 victory over China's Fei Ping and dominated in a match against Tajikistan's Sukhrob Abdulkhaev. However, he faced defeat against the reigning Asian champion, Iran's Naser Alizadeh, with a 1-4 scoreline.
Other Indian contenders, Gyanender (60kg), Neeraj (67kg), and Vikas (77kg), unfortunately, couldn't secure a round win. Gyanender was overpowered 1-7 by Iran's Meysam Dalkhani, Neeraj fell 3-5 to Uzbekistan's Makhmud Bakhshilloev, and Vikas was bested by China's Rui Liu.
Come Thursday, Narinder Cheema (97kg) and Naveen (130kg), the two remaining Indian Greco Roman wrestlers, will step up to compete. The women's contest will also kick off, spotlighting rising star Antim Panghal (53kg) and skilled wrestlers Pooja Gehlot (50kg) and Mansi Ahlawat (57kg).
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