In Pics | Wrestler Bajrang Punia pins Morteza Ghiasi, cruises into semis finals

True to his style, Bajrang Punia put his tactical acumen and strength to good use in the second period to pin Iran's Morteza Cheka Ghiasi for a semifinal berth in the men's free-style 65kg event which took him closer to an Olympic medal at Tokyo Olympics. Credit: AFP Photo

Bajrang trailed the Iranian for a major part of the bout after being severely crippled by Ghiasi's defensive tactics, especially the body-locks. Credit: Reuters Photo

Twice Bajrang was put on activity clock and also left to defend his right leg when Ghiasi got hold of it. Credit: Reuters Photo

As the second period moved towards the final minute, Ghiasi looked like making a dangerous move when he got hold of Bajrang's right leg and almost pulled off a take down. Credit: AP Photo

But Bajrang not only wriggled out of that clutch, he locked the neck of Ghiasi and moved into a position from where he turned his rival, pushed him on the mat and held him with his immense strength to emerge victorious by fall. Credit: AP Photo

Bajrang will now fight it out with Azerbaijan's Haji Aliev for a place in the gold medal bout. Aliev is three-time world champion and bronze-winner from the Rio Games. Credit: AFP Photo