Nagoya: In the Asian Games, Indian wrestler Sunil Kumar gave a strong performance on Wednesday and made it to the semi-finals of the men's Greco-Roman 87 kg category. Whereas, in the women's 68 kg category, Nisha Dahiya had to face defeat against Pak Sol Gum of North Korea in the first round.
Sunil won the match with technical efficiency
Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 bronze medalist Sunil Kumar dominated the match from the beginning against Tajikistan's Muhammad Sultanzoda. After being sent into a 'par tere' position due to his opponent's defensive attitude, Sunil scored consecutive points and ended the match early.
Sunil, who won on the basis of technical proficiency, has now reached the semi-finals. In his next encounter, he is likely to face Youth World Championship bronze medalist Taizo Yoshida of Japan.
Nisha took the lead, then the match turned
In the pre-quarterfinals of the women's 68 kg category, Nisha Dahiya faced Pak Sol Gum of North Korea. Nisha had taken a 2-0 lead at the beginning of the match, but Pakistan scored four points to make the score 4-2 at the end of the first period.
In the second period, Nisha scored two points and leveled the score at 4-4. After this neither of the two wrestlers could score points. After the match ended in a draw, Pak Sol Gum was declared the winner on the basis of big stakes.
If Pakistan reaches the final, Nisha will get a chance for repechage.
Nisha's medal hopes are not completely over yet. If Pak Sol Gum reaches the finals, Nisha may get a chance to return to the race for the bronze medal through repechage.
This is Nisha's second consecutive big defeat against Pakistan. Earlier, Nisha had also lost to Pakistan in the quarter-finals of Paris Olympics. In that match, Nisha had taken a lead of 8-2, but after suffering an elbow injury, she lost the match by 8-10.
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