Gurbinder Singh, who represented India at the Olympics, lived up to his reputation and sailed into the semi-finals of the 16th Asian Wrestling Championship in Delhi on Thursday.
Gurbinder defeated Behaliev Kanat of Kazhakastan 6-3 in the 66 kg Greco-Roman category.
After his opponent dominated the bout till half-time, Gurinder changed his tactics in the second session, making some swift moves. After taking a 4-3 lead there was no looking back for the Indian, who also overcame an injury before prevailing over the Kazakh.
Gurbinder had earlier defeated Masaki Izena of Japan 6-0 in the first round.
Another Indian, Kripa Shanker Patel, however, had a mixed day today. He scored a 4-0 win against Firos Refael Khaled of Syria before losing his first match against Korea's Yang Jae Hoon in the 55 kg freestyle.
In the women's section, Gitika Jakhar easily beat Alexandza Boginskaya of Kazakhastan in the 63 kgs women's freestyle.
In 66 kg men's freestyle, India's Pawan Kumar had to make an early departure on the inaugural day of the championship after he lost both his bouts against Mongolia's Bayarmagnai Norjia (0-4) in the first round and Uzbekistan's Urazimbetov (3-2) in the second.
But it was Iran all the way as the Asian powerhouse dominated the action, winning almost all the bouts today.
Earlier, Sports Minister Vikram Verma inaugurated the championship and FILA president Raphael Martinetti addressed the gathering.
Khatri disqualified
India's bronze medallist at the Junior World wrestling championships Mukesh Khatri was disqualified from the championship. India's coach Gian Singh said Khatri was found overweight by 400 grams in the 55kg Greco Roman category.
Gian Singh said it came into light when the wrestlers were being weighed for Friday's bouts.
