By Feroz Khan,News18

Copyright news18

Sujeet Kalkal nearly defeated Paris Olympics silver medallist Rahman Mousa Amzoud Khalili of Iran but ultimately succumbed to a narrow 5-6 defeat on the third day of the World Championship on Monday.
Sujeet appeared more enduring than the 2022 world champion, as the formidable Iranian barely managed to finish the bout while Sujeet still had strength left at the end of the gruelling men’s freestyle 65kg quarterfinal.
In the first period, neither wrestler scored any points or made any significant moves, both relying on their upper body strength. As the bout progressed, the Iranian, despite leading 4-0 at the beginning of the second period, was visibly gasping for breath. Sujeet made a smart move to secure his first takedown. Noticing Rahman’s fatigue, Sujeet attempted a right leg attack, but it was the Iranian who scored on the counter, extending his lead to 6-3.
With under 20 seconds remaining, and the Iranian barely managing to continue, Sujeet secured another takedown, narrowing the score to 5-6. The clock stopped just then, bringing relief to the Iranian and frustration to Sujeet, who tapped on the mat.
Sujeet can still vie for a medal if Rahman reaches the final.
Before the quarterfinals, Sujeet defeated Cavit Acar (15-5) from Turkiye and Kwan Jin Kim (9-2) from Korea.
Among other Indians, Vicky exited after losing his quarterfinal to Iran’s Paris Games bronze medallist Amirali Hamid Azrapira.
In the women’s section, Nishu (55kg) lost to Japan’s Sowaka Uchida, who has reached the semifinals, keeping the Indian’s repechage hopes alive.
In the 59kg category, Sarika lost her pre-quarterfinal bout to Anastasia Sidelnikova, who later lost her quarterfinal, ending Sarika’s chances.
Neha Sangwan had initially qualified for the 59kg category, but Sarika replaced her after the WFI suspended Neha following her disqualification from the U20 World Championship in Bulgaria last month for being overweight.
With PTI Inputs