SUJEET Kalkal underlined his growing supremacy in the men’s 65kg category by clinching the Asian Games gold here on Friday, defeating an Olympic champion en route to the title and erasing a massive 2-9 deficit in the final to add yet another crown to his tally in a stunning year of domination. Stronger Iranian and Japanese rivals were expected to make life tough for Sujeet in a tricky draw but it was Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev who tested the Indian most by racing to a 9-2 lead. Using his tremendous speed and technical skills, Sujeet found a way to make a dramatic turnaround and prevail 10-9, scoring eight points in a row and holding off his rival.

 

Kudiev did not let Sujeet attack by employing arm locks in the first period. Once Sujeet got a measure of his rival’s style he did not let him make any attacking move. While Kudiev matched the Indian with strength, Sujeet trumped his rival with speed as he repeatedly went behind the Tajikistan to effect takedown moves. One after another successful moves reduced the deficit to 8-9 and with about 20 seconds left in the bout, Sujeet found a decisive take down and defended his one-point lead to emerge winner.