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Tiny Amit breaks India’s gold drought
Female grapplers give a good account of themselves by winning two bronze to swell hosts’ tally to four.
India’s diminutive wrestler Amit Kumar powered his way to gold as the home team collected four medals in the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships at the IG Stadium.
On Saturday, Amit’s acumen helped India win their first gold of the event as he overpowered Kyong Yang of the People’s Republic of Korea in the final of the men's 55kg category to open the floodgates for the hosts.
It was a close contest, but the strongly-built Amit held his nerve to win over his rival, who has an enviable record on the mat. “I am delighted to win the contest,” said Amit in the post-match interaction.
After two barren days at the arena, India’s female grapplers set the momentum going with Vinesh capturing bronze in the 51kg category by defeating Thailand’s Sriprapa Tho-Kaew. Later, it was Babita Kumari’s turn to add to the tally by winning bronze in 55kg. The World Championship bronze medallist outclassed Mongolia's Byambatseren Sundev.
There was more cheer in store in the men’s 60kg when Bajrang, who replaced the injured Yogeshwar Dutt, won bronze through repechage. He defeated Shogo Maeda of Japan.
Meanwhile, the International Wrestling Federation's interim chief, Nenad Lalovic, said the governing body would continue its battle to gain re-entry into the Olympics.
