India’s misfortunes at the Rio Olympics continued as Ravinder Khatri bowed out at the round of 16 stage of the Men’s Greco-Roman wrestling competition to the much experienced Hungarian wrestler Viktor Lorincz. The game finished within three minutes of the first period itself as Lorincz advanced due to Greater Superiority (a difference of 8 technical points while the loser is without points).
On the second day of wrestling at Brazil, Khatri went face to face with the Lorincz in his quarter-final tussle after having received a bye in the Round of 16 stage. However, the Indian, who was appearing at the Olympics for the first time was thoroughly outclassed, losing 9-0 within a few minutes.
Whilst the Indian put up a valiant performance, the Hungarian soon took the advantage and referee awarded the Hungarian for his endeavours; forcing Khatri into a bottom position. It all went downhill for Khatri from there on as the Hungarian.
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Khatri was soon turned over to give Lorincz a four-point lead. Soon after, the Indian saw himself getting forced out of the mat, giving the Hungarian a 5-0 lead. Lorincz went on to build on the momentum and executed a superb takedown as Khatri looked completely clueless and baffled by the Hungarian’s attacks. That gave the Hungarian a 9-0 unassailable lead and a victory by Greater superiority.
The 24-year-old Indian’s campaign might still not be over and now depends on the fate of Lorincz. If Lorincz gets to the final of the event, Khatri will have a chance to compete for the final through the repechages. Viktor Lorincz's next match is against Rustam Assakalov from Uzbekistan. If you have forgotten, it was the repechages that helped Sushil Kumar grab a bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
