After an impressive show to enter the finals in four weight categories, the Indian wrestlers faltered and could add only four more silver medals and a bronze to the country’s medal tally at the 20th Commonwealth Games here on Wednesday.
The action in the second half of the day was in contrast to the first session. It was a disappointing evening session as they all lost to better opponents.
The most unfortunate was the failure of Bajrang, who after an impressive show in the earlier three rounds, lost tamely to David Tremblay (Canada). The Indian was pinned down by the Canadian in just 1 minute and 24 seconds to earn a technical superiority decision.
Earlier, Barjang en route to the final had defeated Sasha Madyarchy (England), Marno Plaatjics (South Africa) and Danile Amas (Nigeria) in convincing fashion.
Satywart Kadian was unable to recreate the same magic that had taken him to the final against Arjun Gill (Canada) in the men’s 97kg class.
Kadian too had won all three of his earlier bouts without brooking much opposition from his rivals. Pitted against Manju Arachchiga Uduwala (Sri Lanka) in the opening bout, the India took only 1minute and 45 seconds to win by greater superiority.
Takedowns formed part of his wins against Soso Tamaru (Nigeria) and Leon Rattigan (England) in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
The Indian search for a gold medal in the women’s section also proved elusive as L. Lalita and Sakshi Malik fell at the final hurdle.
Lalita beat Mpho Madi (South Africa) to kick-start her campaign in the 53kg category before defeating Shannon Hawke (Scotland) in the semifinals. But in the final, the Hissar-born girl lost to Odunayo Adekuoroye (Nigeria) by a fall.
Sakshi required 2 minutes and 27 seconds to polish off the challenge from Edwige Eyia Ngono (Cameroon) in the 58kg category before ensuring a berth in the final by getting past Barxton Rei Stone (Canada) with a 3-1 victory in the semifinals. But pitted against Aminat Adeniyi (Nigeria) in the final, the Indian was convincingly beaten.
Navjot Kaur won the bronze medal with a decisive victory over Sarah Jones (Scotland) in the 69kg category.
Four other Indian wrestlers will be seen in action on Thursday, the concluding day of the event.