Bahrain’s Batirov stuns India’s Sushil Kumar

In a major upset, two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar was on Sunday stunned by Bahrain’s Adam Batirov in the 74 kg category, as the Indian wrestling team’s campaign at the 18th Asian Games began.

Sushil lost his qualification round 3-5 to Batirov. The London Olympics silver medallist created two opportunities to score in the second period but could not convert while Batirov did not miss his chances.

He led 3-2 with a takedown and then pushed the Indian out for a win. “I was also not expecting this result. I had prepared, but wins and losses are all part and parcel of sport,” Kumar told reporters, saying he does not take criticism to heart.