Asian Wrestling C'ships: Amit Dhankar settles for silver

New Delhi [India], Apr 24 (ANI): Indian wrestler Amit Dhankar succumbed to a 0-5 defeat to Kaisanov Daniyar of Kazakhstan in the 74 kg finals of the ongoing Asian Wrestling Championships in China to settle for the silver on Wednesday.
In the semi-finals, Dhankar took care of Ilgiz Dzhakypbekov of Kyrgyzstan 5-0 but did not have to exert much effort in the quarter-finals as his opponent Japan's Yuhi Fujinami was injured.
“It’s a little disappointing to not have got the gold for India once again. This loss will motivate me to strive further and give my very best for the upcoming tournaments and try to secure the Olympic berth at the World Championships later this year,” said Dhankar after his bout.
In 92 kg, Viky too suffered the same fate as he lost 0-11 to Karimimachiani of Iran in the final. Viky had earlier edged China’s Xiao Sun 3-2 in the last-four stage.
“I wish I could have changed the score but my opponent was unfortunately too good. I hope to put in hard yards at training and make India proud in the tournaments that are coming up next,” said Viky on his silver win. 
However, India had better fortunes in the bronze medal bouts as they won all three of them. Commonwealth Games champion in 57kg, Rahul Aware, prevailed over Kim Jin-Cheol of Korea 9-2 to take home the bronze in 61 kg.
The 27-year-old had lost his quarter-final to Behnam Eshagh Ehsanpoor of Iran. With the Iranian reaching the summit clash, Aware faced off against Thailand’s Siripong Jumpakam, whom he dominated 12-1.
Deepak Punia (86kg) emerged an 8-2 winner over Kodirov Bakhodur of Tajikistan, while Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sumit Malik (125kg) outgrappled Anakulov Farkhod of Tajikistan 8-2 in their respective bronze medal play-offs.
On day three, the women will begin their challenge with Seema (50kg), Lalita Sehrawat (55kg), Manju (59kg), Divya Kakran (68kg) and Pooja (76kg) all in action.
India has increased their overall medal tally by adding two silver and three bronze medals on the second day with one gold, three silver and four bronze.
The six-day gala will continue till April 28. India has sent a 30-member squad and will look to improve on their 8-medal tally from last year. (ANI)