Indian star wrestler Bajrang Punia lost in the quarterfinals of the Wrestling World Championships on Saturday but is back in the medal fight. He entered the rematch in the 65kg category.
Two-time Commonwealth Games champion Bajrang lost to 23-year-old American Yianni Diakomihalis in the 65kg quarterfinals. Due to the technical advantage, he had to concede 0:10.
However, the 28-year-old returned to action when he was promoted as a hopeful after reaching the Diakomihalis final.
Bajrang will face the winner between Armenia’s Vazgen Tevanyan and Bulgaria’s Vladimir Vladimirov Dubov in their first hopeful match on Sunday.
Bajrang previously beat Cuban Alejandro Enrique Valdes Tobier by points in the quarterfinals.
Bajrang has three World Championship medals to his name. He won a silver medal at the 2018 Budapest Championships. He won bronze medals in 2013 and 2019.
On the other hand, Sagar Jaglan’s 74kg bronze medal journey ended when the 18-year-old lost 6-0 to reigning Asian champion Yones Aliakbar Emami of Iran.
The U20 World Cup bronze medalist previously advanced to the bronze medal battle with a 7-3 victory over Mongolia’s Suldkhuu Olonbayar.
He entered the rematch on Friday after losing to three-time U.S. world champion Kyle Dyke in the quarterfinals.
Indian wrestlers are disappointed at the World Championships as only Vinesh Phogat has won the bronze medal so far.