Wrestling: Bajrang Punia books berth in Tokyo Olympics semifinals in 65kg category
Bajrang Punia was pushed to the edge by Ernazar Akmataliev of Kyrgyzstan, but he warded off his opponent's advances to win by virtue of biggest points won in the bout.
However, in the quarterfinal, Bajrang made a remarkable comeback against the much-tougher Iran's Murteza Ghiasi, pinning his opponent down before securing the victory by fall.
Bajrang trailed the Iranian for a major part of the bout after being severely crippled by Ghiasi's defensive tactics, especially the body-locks.
Twice Bajrang was put on activity clock and also left to defend his right leg when Ghiasi got hold of it.
As the second period moved towards the final minute, Ghiasi looked like making a dangerous move when he got hold of Bajrang's right leg and almost pulled off a take down.
But Bajrang not only wriggled out of that clutch, he locked the neck of Ghiasi and moved into a position from where he turned his rival, pushed him on the mat and held him with his immense strength to emerge victorious by fall.
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The Indian wrestler made a good start to his Tokyo Olympics campaign to secure a place in the semifinals, where he will face Azerbaijan's three-time world champion Haji Aliyev.
Punia is the only Indian still in contention for a medal after Seema Bisla lost in her first round in women's 50kg category. She was eventually eliminated from the Games after her victor lost in the quarterfinal.
The 27-year-old could not make her moves as Hamdi applied the body lock to great effect, never allowing Seema to initiate a strong attack.
There hardly any moves in the bout with Hamdi getting two of her three points on push out and one on Seema's passivity.
Seema got on board when she too pushed her rival out after being put on activity clock for a second time.
The Tunisian later lost her next bout, which drew curtains on Seema's campaign.
The Rohtak grappler had not even won a national event till 2017 but went on to secure her berth for the Games by winning the World Olympic Qualifier, held in Sofia in May.
