Sujeet Shocks Kiyooka in Asian Games Semifinals
NAGOYA, Japan (October 2) – In a stunning upset, Asian champion Sujeet (IND) defeated Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka (JPN) in the semifinals of the 65kg category at the Asian Games.
The match started slowly, with Kiyooka being the first to target Sujeet’s leg. Despite several attempts, he couldn’t secure a takedown and instead scored a point for a stepout. Kiyooka extended his lead when Sujeet was placed on the 30-second activity clock but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Sujeet turned the tables by executing a go-behind move, taking the criteria lead for the first time. Although he adopted a defensive stance thereafter, Kiyooka managed two leg attacks, yet still could not achieve a takedown.
In a critical moment near the edge of the mat, Sujeet executed a timely counter, resulting in a stepout for him after a review confirmed Kiyooka’s elbow touched first. As the match approached its end, Kiyooka’s attempts yielded only a stepout, keeping Sujeet ahead with a 3-3 criteria lead, thanks to his earlier takedown.
Sujeet’s victory secures him a spot in the 65kg final against Abdulmazhid Kudiev (TJK), who he previously defeated 7-2 in the Asian Championships semifinals, where Sujeet ultimately claimed the gold medal.
