Adam Batirov clinches gold in Asian Wrestling

Manama : Adam Batirov clinched the 70kg weight category gold medal for Bahrain at the Asian Wrestling Championships, which concluded recently in Bangkok, Thailand.

Batirov was crowned the champion on the final day of the event last Sunday after defeating Takhti Cup winner Muhammad Naderi of Iran in the semi-finals and in the final clash, he nearly let the gold medal slip away to India’s Kumar Vinod, who countered a takedown attempt for two points midway through the second period.

However, Batirov came back late with a takedown and ankle turn for a 5-2 triumph.

Batirov’s gold medal was the first for Bahrain in the Asian championships and the second overall, following a bronze medal won by Mohamed Abdelfattah Mohammed in the 98kg in Greco-Roman category on the first day of the championships.

On return at Bahrain International Airport, Batirov and his fellow delegation members were welcomed by high-ranking sports officials, headed by Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) general secretary Abdulrahman Askar.

Askar congratulated the Bahraini wrestler and wished him success in the upcoming regional and international championships. Askar also commended the efforts of the Bahrain team at the championship, which played a significant role in the victory.

Batirov expressed gratitude to the BOC for supporting him during the training programme and the competition in Bangkok.