Iran grapplers stamp their class

Iranian grapplers stamped their class on the 16th Asian Senior wrestling championships, winning four of the nine gold medals up for grabs on the penultimate day of the tournament at the Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium in Delhi on Saturday.

Hosts India had to be content with two silver and bronze medals each with both their finalists losing to their rivals in one-sided encounters this evening.

But it was the Iranians, who won four golds, one silver and bronze medal each, who topped the medals tally. They were followed by Japan, who won two golds and silvers each. As many as nine countries put their name on the medal winners list.

The day began on a winning note for the hosts when Kamini Yadav won the bronze medal in the 48 kg Freestyle category. She beat her Vietnamese rival Phyam Thimai by fall to give India her first medal.

The gold was won by Mika Nuguchi of Japan. She beat Kaowei Chien of Taipei by fall.

Minutes later, Kripa Shankar added another bronze to the Indian kitty when he defeated Bau Yezhan of Kazakhastan in the 55 kg Freestyle 3-2 in extra-time. Mohd Aslani of Iran won the gold while Yang Yae Hoon of Korea took the silver.

In the Greco-Roman category, a hapless Gurvinder Singh was trounced 8-1 by Iranian Zeid Vand Periviz. Gurvinder just failed to get going against the superior technique and agility of the Iranian grappler and had to settle for the silver. Begliev Kanat of Kazahastan won the bronze.

In yet another final, Gitika Jhakar lost her bout in the 63 kg women's freestyle event by technical fall and had to be content with the silver. The bronze was taken by Hang Jin Young of Korea.

In the other freestyle final of the day, Taji Masa Hassan of Iran beat Kzu Hiko of Japan 3-2 to take the gold in the 66 kg category, while Bayar Magni of Mongolia beat Kim Sun Gsil of Korea by 4-1 to settle for the bronze.

The 84 kg final saw another Iranian, Dorst Kar, beat Aliev Shahil of Tajikistan by 3-2 points in extra-time to claim gold.

Magd Med of Kazakhastan took the third spot, beating Bat Bayar Buyan Dlger of Mongolia 6-1.

The 55 kg Greco-Roman gold went to Iman Bye of Kazakahastan. He beat Iranian Bauafa Hamid in a closely-contested encounter, while Imdawon of Korea took the bronze.

In the final Greco-Roman bout this evening, Jabrailov Abdulla of Kazahastan won the gold in the 84kg category. He beat Erofaylon by fall, while Iranian Marasheian S Ahmed took the bronze.

On the women's side, Otgonjargal of Mongolia won the gold in the 55 kg freestyle. Sayuvi Tatemoto of Japan took the silver and Lee Na Lae of Korea won the bronze.

UNI