Indian wrestler Yogeshwar qualifies for London Olympics

New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt booked his London Olympics berth after he qualified for the final of the Asian qualification event in Astana, Kazakhstan.

According to information received here, Yogeshwar beat Mongolia's Ganzorig Mandakhnaran in the semifinals of the 60kg men's freestyle event. Yogeshwar won 1-0, 7-0 Thursday to secure his London Qualification.

Yogeshwar will face Iranian Esmaeil Poorjouybari in the final. Both qualified for the 2012 Olympics since top two of this tournament are eligible for London.

"I am happy to have qualified and this should now give me a few months of good tension-free training to get ready for London. I would like to thank the Mittal Champions Trust who have been by my side through this long road from when I didn't even know if I would ever compete again. I now have my sights firmly set on an Olympic medal," Yogeshwar said in a statement.

For Yogeshwar, who started at the bottom of the field in the 12th spot, it was a tough journey to the final. He started off against Kazakh Nadyrbek Uulu winning 2-1. He lost the second round 0-3 and then fought really well to win the third 5-3.

In the next round, Yogeshwar was up against Uzbek Mansurov Dilshod. Yogeshwar came from behind after losing the first round 0-1. The Indian won the second round 2-1 and thrashed Mansurov in the third and the final round, winning 6-0.