Grappler Sandeep Tulsi Yadav created history by winning India’s first-ever medal in the Greco-Roman category of the Senior World Wrestling Championships after beating Serbia’s Aleksandar Maksimovic in the 66kg division on Sunday.
Sandeep overwhelmed the Serbian 4-0 to grab a rare medal in the Greco-Roman category for the Indians after Rajbir Chhikara (74kg) and Naveen (120kg) made early exit from the competition, losing in their first bouts.
This is India’s best-ever show in the World Championships with three medals after freestyle wrestlers, Amit Kumar Dahiya and Bajrang, won a silver and bronze medal in their respective weight categories.
Sandeep appeared passive in the first period as the two wrestlers jostled for control and was warned by the referee.
The Indian got another warning for passivity and his opponent was given parterre — ordered hold position given as penalty.
But Sandeep, being at a disadvantageous position, resisted well and did not allow Maksimovic to collect points before the first three-minute period ended 0-0.
In the second period, Sandeep got parterre after the Serbian was warned by the referee and the Indian did not disappoint as he executed a back exposure to collect two points.
He then earned another two for counter attack to end the seven-day long championships on a high for India.
