Asian Wrestling 2020: India’s Mehar Singh in Semi-Finals, Sachin Rana makes it to last 8

The Day 1 of the Asian Wrestling Championships in Delhi has started on a good note for the Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers. India’s Mehar Singh has made it to the semi-finals of the 130kg and young Sachin Rana defeated World number 9 to make it to the last 8. Only disappointment of the morning session was Sajan who unexpectedly lost his opening round bout.

Mehar Singh made it to the Indian team at the last minute. Just 3 days before the Asian Wrestling, India’s number 1 in 130 kg, Naveen pulled out of the event due to injury. Mehar replaced Naveen and has made it to the semi-finals by registering easy win against DALER RAKHMATOV of Uzbekistan. Mehar won his quarterfinal bout by 4-0 margin against the Uzbek.  

Mehar will now be up against Minseok KIM of Korea in the last 4 bout.

India’s Sachin Rana won his opening round against Tynar SHARSHENBEKOV of Kyrgyzstan to make it to the quarterfinals. Rana was in his elements in the 63kg bout as he defeated much experienced Sharshenbekov by 6-0. Sharshenbekov is currently ranked number 9th in the world rankings of 63kg and was got 5th position in the world championships in 2019.

India has started on an extremely disappointing note as Indian Greco-Roman wrestling’s big hope Sajan lost out in the opening round of Asian Wrestling that began in Delhi today. Sajan was pitted against Under 23 Asian Champion of 2019 Renat Iliazuulu of Kyrgyzstan in the first round.  The Indian wrestler could not match the initial onslaught of Iliazuulu and lost out 6-9. Sajan who has won multiple medals for India at the age group events and recently won the Rome Ranking Series bronze was tipped to win medal at the Asian Championships as well. But Renat’s power moves in the first minute shattered his hopes and he was down 0-7. Indian tried making a comeback in the later stages and reduced the deficit to 6-7 but Renat finally prevailed 9-6 to make it to the last 8.

Last 16 – Sajan (India) lost to Renat Iliazuulu (KGZ) 0-8

Last 16 – Sachin Rana (India) beat Tynar SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) 6-0

Last 8 – Mehar Singh (India) beat DALER RAKHMATOV (Uzbekistan) 4-0

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