A Stunning Semifinal Upset
Indian wrestler Sujeet, the Asian champion, defeated Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka of Japan in the 65kg semifinals at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Friday. The victory came on criteria after the bout ended 3-3, with Sujeet's takedown proving decisive against Kiyooka's three one-point moves. The result shocked the home crowd and eliminated one of the tournament's top favorites.[S1]
The match began cautiously, with both wrestlers waiting before Kiyooka initiated contact by grabbing Sujeet's leg. Kiyooka could not complete the takedown but earned a point for a stepout. His lead grew to 2-0 when Sujeet was placed on the 30-second activity clock and failed to score. Sujeet then took the criteria lead with a go-behind, and although Kiyooka attacked his legs twice more, he could not secure a takedown.[S1]
A critical moment came near the edge when Kiyooka attempted a takedown and Sujeet countered as both wrestlers went out of bounds. Initially scored two points for Sujeet, the call was challenged and overturned to a stepout for Sujeet after it was ruled that Kiyooka's elbow touched first. In the final 30 seconds, Kiyooka managed only a stepout, leaving Sujeet ahead on criteria for his takedown versus Kiyooka's three single points. Sujeet held on to advance.[S1]
Final Against Familiar Foe
Sujeet will face Abdulmazhid Kudiev of Tajikistan in the 65kg final. The two have met before: Sujeet defeated Kudiev 7-2 in the semifinals of the Asian Championships, a tournament Sujeet went on to win. That prior victory could give Sujeet confidence, but Kudiev will be seeking revenge on the Asian Games stage.[S1]
