Favourites advance in wrestling

Guwahati, Feb 10 (UNI) All strong contenders for the wrestling medals in team events in different categories registered their victories in the preliminary rounds in the 33rd National Games here today.

Haryana won their first round matches on 55 kg freestyle men's category against Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh, Asom won against Nagaland, Delhi beat Services and Madhya Pradesh defeated Uttar Pradesh.

In the 66 kg freestyle, Delhi accounted for Nagaland, Haryana defeated Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh overcame hosts Asom, Services came good over another strong contender Chandigarh while Punjab beat rivals Delhi.

The three Greco-Roman matches in 55 kg category held till this afternoon also saw the domination of wrestling heavyweights over other teams.

Haryana, a strong contender for maximum wrestling gold, easily defeated hosts Asom in a first round match. But, Services took a sweet revenge of their freestyle team's defeat when they turned the table against Delhi. In the other match, Chandigarh won against Maharashtra.

In the Greco-Roman 66 kg category, Maharashtra defeated Delhi on points, while Chandigarh came good against strong Haryana and Maharashtra and Services easily beat Asom.

Haryana also showed domination in the women's section as they defeated both Manipur and Madhya Pradesh in the first round of 48 kg freestyle event.

In other matches, while Madhya Pradesh showed the door to Nagaland, Delhi registered two wins against Asom and Chandigarh.

UNI