Asian Wrestling Championship: Sarita retains title; Seema and Pooja settle for bronze

Sarita lagged 1-7 after a botched up challenge but turned it around with a tremendous fight back against Mongolia's Shoovdor Baatarjav.

Sarita Mor became the first Indian woman to win two consecutive gold medals in the Asian championships.

Sarita Mor became the first Indian woman to win two consecutive gold medals in the Asian championships as she defended her women's 59kg title in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Thursday.

Sarita, who had claimed the top honour in the 2020 Asian championships in New Delhi, defeated two-time World championships bronze medallist Shoovdor Baatarjav of Mongolia 10-7 in the final to retain her crown.

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The 25-year-old Indian lost to Shoovdor 5-4 and beat Diana Kayumova of Kazakhstan 11-0 in the group stage. Sarita posted a convincing 11-0 victory over Nuraida Anarkulova in the semifinals to book a place in the title clash.

"It's a proud moment. I had lost to the same opponent in the 2018 World championships quarterfinals as well. I learnt from my mistakes and improved my game to avenge my defeat. I want my countrymen to back me so that I can achieve bigger glory," said Sarita.

Seema (50kg) and Pooja (76kg), who claimed bronze medals, were the other Indians to shine on the day.