Deepak Punia`s defence fell apart in front of his idol and Iranian legend Hassan Yazdanicharati as the Olympic-bound Indian settled for a silver medal while Sanjeet claimed a bronze on the concluding day of the Asian Championship here on Sunday. Deepak lost his 86kg final inside the first period by technical superiority as the Iranian`s relentless attacks had the clueless India gasping.

It was the second time that Deepak was up against 2016 Olympic champion and two-time World champion but challenged him for the first time as he had withdrawn from the 2019 World Championship final against the Iranian due to a leg injury. Another Indian earning a podium finish on Sunday was Sanjeet (92kg) who almost blew away a commanding position against Uzbekistan`s Rustam Shodiev before winning the bronze play-off 11-8. He led 11-2 at one stage but let the Uzbekistan wrestler clawed his way back.