Wrestler Simran wins silver at Youth Olympics

TIL Desk Sports/ India’s wrestler Simran settled for a silver in women’s freestyle 43 kg category competition after she lost to Emily Shilson of United States in the final bout at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Simran, who had won a 40kg class bronze in the 2017 Cadet World Championships, lost 6-11 as the American registered a ‘victory by points’ to clinch the gold on Saturday.

Simran conceded a 2-9 lead to Shilson in the first period and that virtually sealed her fate. The Indian produced a better show in the second period by scoring four points as against two by his American opponent but that proved to be too little, too late to have any impact on the result of the bout.

“My tactical error cost me the gold. It was silly of me to give into the deception (the loss of points),” said Simran after her bout. “But I am happy I could add a silver to the medal tally. I would like to dedicate this to my father, my family and all those coaches who worked hard to see me where I am,” added the youngster. Shilson is the gold medallist in 43kg in the 2018 Cadet World Championships.

This is India’s fifth silver along with three gold in the ongoing Youth Olympics. The medals won by shuttler Lakshya Sen (gold), shooter Manu Bhaker (silver) and judoka Tababi Devi (silver) in mixed team events are not counted in the country’s total medal tally as they had paired with athletes of other countries.