Wrestling News: Bajrang Punia falls short at Madison Square Garden

Bajrang Punia created history as he became the first Indian wrestler to compete at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Although it did not turn out to be Bajrang’s night as the world number 1 went down to two-time NCAA champion and two-time Cadet World champion Yianni Daikomihalis by a narrow 8-10 margin in the 'Grapple at the Garden - Beat the Streets' event. With the loss Bajrang Punia's winning streak in the international arena came to an end. Yianni struck first and was up 2-0 through an exposure move. Bajrang then fought and nailed a single leg move to bring the match on level terms. After the first period, both wrestlers were tied at 2-2. Soon after the break, Daikomihalis was up 4-2 with a brilliant takedown in the second period. Bajrang and Yianni exchanged two points on the lookout as the score moved to 6-4 in favour of Yianni. The American wrestler was in no mood to let his advantage slip and came up with another takedown to move ahead 8-4. Bajrang Punia then showcased his famous second-period stamina and came back in the match to restore parity at 8-8. However it was Yianni, the 2019 US Nationals champion, who came out with a wild scramble late in the match to emerge victorious at 10-8.