Tokyo: One of India's brightest medal prospects, wrestler Bajrang Punia (65 Kg) on Friday defeated Emazar Akmataliev of Krygyzstan in the opening round of Men's 65 kg freestyle category here at the Tokyo Olympics.
With this win, Punia enters quarterfinals match.
A timely take-down move helped him beat Kyrgyzstan's Ernazar Akmataliev in his opening bout.
Just before the end of the first period put the Indian ahead 3-1 but Akmataliev ran Bajrang close in the second period, getting two push-out points to level the scores.
Since Bajrang had the high scoring move, a two-pointer take down, he was declared winner on criteria.
It was not the most clean and fluent victories that he is known for, but was just enough for Bajrang, who came into the Games after suffering a minor knee injury during a local Russian tournament.
He will face Iran's Morteza Ghiasi in his next.
