Nitesh Siwach ends long wait, wins Greco-Roman silver at Asian Games

Nitesh Siwach (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: Nitesh Siwach’s wait for a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Asian Games will continue after he settled for silver after losing to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato on Thursday.Nitesh was beaten 0-4 by the local favorite in the men’s 97kg final.The Indian tried to take control early with a two-on-one grab, but Nakazato kept him under pressure and didn’t allow him to launch an attack.

Nakazato soon takes the lead

Nakazato opened the scoring by pushing Nitesh off the mat.Nitesh was then put into the ground position due to passivity. However, he defended well and did not allow the Japanese wrestler to get a strong enough hold to score with a wrench.Nakazato ended the first period with a 2-0 lead. He also kept Nitesh in a stalemate towards the end of the period and continued to control the action.

Nitesh could not defend himself

Nakazato increased the pressure in the second period. He pushed Nitesh off balance and quickly turned the move into a successful takedown.This gave the Japanese wrestler a 4-0 lead and put Nitesh in a difficult position.With just a minute left, Nitesh needed to attack and find points, but the Nakazat defense remained firm. The Indian was unable to break through and was forced to settle for silver.

India’s wait continues

India’s wait for a Greco-Roman gold medal at the Asian Games will now continue.India last won the Greco-Roman gold in 1962 when Malwa Singh won the 52kg title and Ganpat Andalkar won gold in the 97kg category in Jakarta.Nitesh had a chance to end that long wait in Nagoya, but Nakazata’s disciplined performance denied him first place.