In Pics | Wrestler Bajrang Punia pins Morteza Ghiasi, cruises into semis finals

Wrestler Bajrang Punia pins Morteza Ghiasi, cruises into semis finals; See match pics! Credit: Reuters Photo

True to his style, Bajrang Punia put his tactical acumen and strength to good use in the second period to pin Iran's Morteza Cheka Ghiasi for a semifinal berth in the men's free-style 65kg event which took him closer to an Olympic medal at Tokyo Olympics. Credit: AFP Photo

Bajrang trailed the Iranian for a major part of the bout after being severely crippled by Ghiasi's defensive tactics, especially the body-locks. Credit: Reuters Photo

Twice Bajrang was put on activity clock and also left to defend his right leg when Ghiasi got hold of it. Credit: Reuters Photo

As the second period moved towards the final minute, Ghiasi looked like making a dangerous move when he got hold of Bajrang's right leg and almost pulled off a take down. Credit: AP Photo

But Bajrang not only wriggled out of that clutch, he locked the neck of Ghiasi and moved into a position from where he turned his rival, pushed him on the mat and held him with his immense strength to emerge victorious by fall. Credit: AP Photo

Bajrang will now fight it out with Azerbaijan's Haji Aliev for a place in the gold medal bout. Aliev is three-time world champion and bronze-winner from the Rio Games. Credit: AFP Photo