Ulan Bator, Sep 5 (IANS) Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on Monday defended the two controversial wrestling coaches who stripped during the Rio Olympics protesting the decision of judges that gave victory to Uzbekistan's Ikhtiyor Navruzov over Mongolian wrestler Mandakhnaran Ganzorig in the 65kg freestyle bronze medal match.
"The Mongolian people should fight against injustice and conspiracy, corruption wherever these are. The Mongolian people should protect honour of Mongolia wherever they are," Elbegdorj said as he received top Mongolian athletes and the two wrestling coaches here.
"I see actions of our two coaches as such action of fight. I don't know what else could have been done."
In the match, Ganzorig started to celebrate prematurely in front of his opponent and stopped wrestling in the last 10 seconds of the match. As a result, Mandakhnaran was deducted points as a penalty and the Uzbek wrestler was given the victory by the judges, reports Xinhua.
Mandakhnaran's coaches considered the decision unfair and protested by stripping in front of the judges.
In Mongolia, although many supported the actions of the coaches and saw the judges as favouring the Uzbek wrestler, some criticised the wrestler for losing patience in the match.
--IANS
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