Rio 2016: Wrestler Hardeep Singh joins India's exodus, loses opening bout

India's dismal show at the Rio Olympics continued even on Day 11 as wrestler Hardeep Singh lost his opening bout at the hands of Turkey's Cenk Ildem 1-2 in the men's Greco-Roman 98 kg event on 16 August.

Although the 25-year-old Indian tried hard and showcased some brilliant fighting spirit, it was just not enough to outclass his Turkey opponent Ildem in the round of 16 at Carioca Arena.

As per the Repechage system, Hardeep, however, would still get a chance of winning a medal for the country if Ildem reaches the final of the competition.

Earlier, other Indian wrestler Ravinder Khatri also lost easily by 0-9 against Hungarian Viktor Lorincz in the Round of 16 of Men's Greco-Roman 85 kg to reduce India's hopes of bagging a medal.

India, which have sent their largest-ever contingent of 119 athletes in Rio Olympics, is yet to open their medal account in the ongoing Summer Games.