Hrushyna, Koliadenko lift Ukraine to Euro title

Friday, April 21, 2023 - 18:09 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (April 21) -- As Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) prepared for her gold medal bout at the European Championships in Zagreb, her attention was divided between the task at hand and her phone. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. It wasn't the usual pre-competition jitters that she had grown accustomed to over the years. She was worried about her family back in her hometown Irpin, Ukraine.

"A shell landed on my apartment and destroyed everything," Koliadenko said. "Training is difficult due to the constant air raids. In fact, before the national competition [February], I received a notification on my phone that there was an air raid warning in the Kyiv region. It's not easy leaving your loved ones in a war zone while you're competing abroad."

But as her name was called, Koliadenko put aside the worries of home and stepped on the mat for the 62kg gold medal bout at the European Championships and showed the world who is best in the weight class in Europe.

Koliadenko won the gold medal, her second at the European Championships, by defeating Grace BULLEN (NOR) via fall. With her victory, Ukraine won the team title with 157 points. Turkiye finished second with 136 points and Bulgaria was third with 94 points.

In addition to Koliadenko's win, Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) defended her title at 57kg, giving Ukraine two gold medals for the night. At 53kg, Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) won back-to-back European titles while Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) stunned Irina RINGACI (MDA) in the 65kg final. At 72kg, Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU) became the second wrestler from Romania to win a European title in women's wrestling.

After winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, Koliadenko has been off the mat for a year, marking her return at the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series in which she won a bronze medal. She was part of the Ukraine team which won its first-ever World Cup in December before finishing with another bronze at the Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series in February.

There, Koliadenko faced Bullen in the quarterfinals and managed to scrape out a 14-12 win, a match that was dominated by Bullen. But for the European Championships, Koliadenko came prepared.

"This was a tough competition and we had to prepare for each match," she said. "I prepared for Grace just like I did for all the other matches that I fought with the wrestlers who became my best friends."

In the final, Koliadenko began with a snap to go behind to score her first points. Bullen was put on the activity clock but Koliadenko continued her aggressive wrestling and scored another takedown using a similar technique to lead 5-0. Just before the break, Bullen shot a double-leg and while Koliadenko managed to survive a big throw, she did give up two points.

Bullen did not give up though and used the same shot at the start of the second period and got the four points to lead 6-5. Bullen tried another leg attack and hit her head on Koliadenko's knee, forcing a medical timeout for concussion.

After a thorough examination, the doctors confirmed that Bullen can continue but it disturbed her momentum as Koliadenko scored a takedown to lead again. Bullen made a half-hearted attack which Koliadenko countered to secure the fall.

And as Koliadenko walked off the mat, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. Perhaps for a brief moment, she was able to put those thoughts away she had before the bout.

"We needed to show the strength of our city," Koliadenko said. "It was a motivation for me to bring victory to our country. It was a difficult time, but we brought back two gold medals."

Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) defended her 57kg European title by pinning Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE). (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The second was from Hrushyna who won her fourth European title overall and second consecutive win in the 57kg weight class. In the final, she made short work of Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE).

"Alina inspires me to win and I was well-prepared for the victory," Koliadenko said regarding Hrushyna's performance.

Beginning the gold medal bout with an arm drag for a takedown, Hrushyna managed to get a turn as well, just, to lead 4-0. Aliyeva never looked in the class of Hrushyna who managed to defend against almost every attack on her. She used an arm bar to secure the fall with 15 seconds remaining in the first period.

With that, Hrushyna claimed the European title with three consecutive falls in Zagreb as Mathilde RIVIERE (FRA) and Tokyo bronze medalist Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL) also met the same fate.

"I was well prepared," Hrushyna said. "I didn't even expect to do what I did, but I was ready and in a very good mood, and everything turned out that way."

Despite her dominant performance in winning gold, Hrushyna said that she did not expect herself to stand on the top of the podium this year.

"The whole process was difficult for me, both physically and mentally, because I didn't have high hopes of winning the gold," she said. "Everyone understood that I was ready and that I could potentially win the gold, but the preparation was always tough for me. There were a lot of worries, but I'm very happy that I was able to perform at my best in the competition."

Looking ahead to future competitions, Hrushyna wants to be ready for the World Championships, especially for her Japanese opponents who have defeated her at three different World Championships.

"I understand that Japanese are the strongest in wrestling," she said. "We are constantly preparing for their fights and know that they are our biggest competitors. We will work with the coach to become the best. There will be training sessions in the Olympic base. We will do our job, and everyone will work on their part to do their best."

Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) gets emotional after winning the gold medal at 53kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) was another returning champion who won the gold medal once again in Zagreb as she defeated Stalvira ORSHUSH (HUN) 9-3 in the 53kg final.

Just two months ago, Orshush had rolled Malmgren for a 10-0 win at the Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series event. A dejected Malmgren, instead of dwelling over the loss, got to work soon and fine-tuned her defense.

“I used to get upset and I lost a lot,” she said before the European Championships. “From last year I am better. Sometimes it doesn't work. That match was one of those. My head was not with me. After Egypt, I thought it was bad. It was like a wake-up call.”

The wake-up call was at the right time as Malmgren faced Orshush with tighter defense and did not commit to half attacks during the match.

“I think we had a better plan this time,” she said. “I really knew what to do and what she would do. So I just followed our plan and it worked out really well.”

In the 9-3 win, Malmgren used a leg lace to score six points which proved to be vital in the end even though Orhush scored a takedown.

An emotional Malmgren ran towards her coach Sofia MATTSSON (SWE), a virtual thank you for her work on the 2021 U20 world champion.

Malmgren is coached by two former European champions -- Mattsson won the title five times while Yuliya RATKEVICH (AZE) won the title in 2011. Both Mattsson and Ratkevich are world champions from 2009.

“I know all the work she [Mattsson] has put in and I see it in myself,” she said. “When I was growing up, I saw her in training and saw her in competition. She was more surprised if she lost than if she won. She is a great inspiration and I am so proud of having her as my coach.”

Another special moment for Malmgren was when her parents were present in the Zagreb Arena, watching their 21-year-old daughter win the gold.

“I heard my parents the most [from the stands],” Malmgren laughed.

At 65kg, Hristova managed to keep Ringaci under check and win the gold after a thrilling 6-4 bout.

Four seconds into the final, Hristova scored the takedown as Ringaci fell off balance. But she answered with a takedown after sneaking out of a lock from Hristova.

The second period was more action-packed as both wrestlers tried for takedowns. However, both wrestlers were up to the mark in the defense. Ringaci broke the deadlock when she circled around the zone and pushed Hristova out, claiming a point.

At one point, Hristova almost got a takedown but the referees deemed her action invalid as she was folding Ringaci's knee more than 90 degrees. Bulgaria challenged the call but lost, adding one more point to Ringaci's score.

Now, Hristova had 27 seconds to turn around and she used snap downs on a tiring Ringaci to go behind in standing. Rigaci tried the hip toss to fend Hristova off but she fell on her back. The judges awarded two points to Hristova which meant a 4-4 win for her.

As time ran out, Moldova challenged the call but on review, it was called four points for Hristova, improving her win to 6-4. This was Hristova's second European gold as she won one in 2020.

Ringaci, on the other hand, lay inconsolable on the mat, having missed her third European title after winning previously in 2020 at 65kg and 2022 at 68kg.

Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU) celebrates after winning the 72kg gold medal. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The session and women's wrestling closed out on a perfect note as Romania got its second-ever women's wrestling European champion as Anghel won the gold at 72kg. By virtue of Anghel's 4-4 win, Buse TOSUN (TUR) had to finish with a silver medal for the second straight year.

Tosun led 1-0 at the break after Anghel failed to score in the 30-second activity time in the first period. But this changed quickly in the second as Anghel tossed Bosun for two points out of the zone.

Turkiye challenged that call with the intention that Tosun never fell in danger and it should only be a single point. On review, the two points were upheld and Anghel got one more for the lost challenge.

Tosun got a single leg and tried to transition into a cradle but managed only a stepout to cut the lead to 3-2. 20 seconds later, she got the takedown and the lead, 4-3, which she had to defend for 27 seconds.

Anghel, desperate for gold, went all out against a defensive Tosun and to a stepout by the barest of margins, win 4-4 on criteria.

Riza KAYAALP (TUR) reached the 130kg final in Zagreb. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Kayaalp moves closer

ZAGREB, Croatia (April 21) -- Riza KAYAALP (TUR) stands on the brink of history after reaching the final of the 130kg weight class in the European Championships. A gold medal on Saturday would bring him level with Alexander KARELIN's record of 12 gold medals at the event.

The three-time Olympic medalist and four-time world champion dominated his semifinal match against Mantas KNYSTAUTAS (LTU), scoring a step out, receiving an activity point, and landing three gut wrenches to win 8-0 in just two minutes. His opponent in the final will be Sabah SHARIATI (AZE), who won a close 1-1 bout against Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO) in the other semifinal.

In the 77kg weight class, Viktor NEMES (SRB) returned to the final of the European Championships after five years, defeating World Championships silver medalist Zoltan LEVAI (HUN) 1-1. Nemes had finished with silver in 2018 and will face defending champion Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) in the gold medal match on Saturday. Amoyan defeated Yunus BASAR (TUR) 6-1 in his semifinal match, a rematch of last year's final in Budapest.

The final of the 87kg weight class will see Ali CENGIZ (TUR) take on Istvan TAKACS (HUN). In the semifinals, Cengiz avenged his loss from the final of the Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series two months ago by defeating Lasha GOBADZE (GEO) 3-1, while Takacs won his match against Damian VON EUW (SUI) 5-1. Being the deepest weight class in Zagreb, 87kg saw a number of upsets, most notably Turpal BISULTANOV's (DEN) 12-3 loss to Semen NOVIKOV (BUL). In the quarterfinals, Cengiz defeated Islam ABBASOV (AZE) 1-1, Takacs beat Novikov 3-2, and Gobadze overcame Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) 6-0.

The final in the 63kg weight class will be a repeat of last year's gold medal bout in Budapest, with both Leri ABULADZE (GEO) and Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) winning their respective semifinals. Abuladze dominated his semifinal match against Abu AMAEV (BUL) with an 11-2 victory, while Mammadov defeated Hrachya POGHOSYAN (ARM) 5-1. In the 2022 final, Abuladze had defeated Mammadov.

Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) will defend his title at 55kg after making it to the final. However, his opponent won't be his arch-rival Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO) but Adem UZUN (TUR) as the Turkiye wrestled upset returning silver medalist Tsurtsumi 13-3 in the semifinal. Azizli defeated Denis MIHAI (ROU) in the other semifinal match 9-1.

RESULTS

53kg
GOLD: Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) df. Stalvira ORSHUSH (HUN), 9-3

BRONZE: Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE) df. Iulia LEORDA (MDA), 5-2
BRONZE: Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) df. Turkan NASIROVA (AZE), 10-0

57kg
GOLD: Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) df. Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE), via fall (10-0)

BRONZE: Elena BRUGGER (GER) df. Jowita WRZESIEN (POL), 3-1
BRONZE: Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL) df. Mathilde RIVIERE (FRA), 4-2

62kg
GOLD: Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) df. Grace BULLEN (NOR), via fall (9-6)

BRONZE: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) df. Selvi ILYASOGLU (TUR), 3-2
BRONZE: Luisa NIEMESCH (GER) df. Johanna LINDBORG (SWE), 8-1

65kg
GOLD: Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) df. Irina RINGACI (MDA), 6-4

BRONZE: Tetiana RIZHKO (UKR) df. Kendra DACHER (FRA), 10-2
BRONZE: Kriszta INCZE (ROU) df. Busra EFE (TUR), 9-0

72kg
GOLD: Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU) df. Buse TOSUN (TUR), 4-4

BRONZE: Dalma CANEVA (ITA) df. Ilana KRATYSH (ISR), via fall
BRONZE: Pauline LECARPENTIER (FRA) df. Liudmyla PAVLOVETS (UKR), 5-1

Ukraine Ukraine won the women's team title with 157 points. (Photo: UWW / Kostadin Andonov)

Greco-Roman Semifinals

55kg
GOLD: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) vs. Adem UZUN (TUR)

SF 1: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) df. Denis MIHAI (ROU), 9-1
SF 2: Adem UZUN (TUR) df. Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO), 13-3

63kg
GOLD: Leri ABULADZE (GEO) vs. Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE)

SF 1: Leri ABULADZE (GEO) df. Abu AMAEV (BUL), 11-2
SF 2: Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) df. Hrachya POGHOSYAN (ARM), 5-1

77kg
GOLD: Viktor NEMES (SRB) vs. Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM)

SF 1: Viktor NEMES (SRB) df. Zoltan LEVAI (HUN), 1-1
SF 2: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df. Yunus BASAR (TUR), 6-1

87kg
GOLD: Istvan TAKACS (HUN) vs. Ali CENGIZ (TUR)

SF 1: Ali CENGIZ (TUR) df. Lasha GOBADZE (GEO), 3-1
SF 2: Istvan TAKACS (HUN) df. Damian VON EUW (SUI), 5-1

130kg
GOLD: Sabah SHARIATI (AZE) vs. Riza KAYAALP (TUR)

SF 1: Riza KAYAALP (TUR) df. Mantas KNYSTAUTAS (LTU), 8-0
SF 2: Sabah SHARIATI (AZE) df. Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO), 1-1

#wrestlebishkek

Iran, Bahrain Put Three in Asian Championships Final

Saturday, April 11, 2026 - 05:02 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 11) -- Iran and Bahrain managed to put three wrestler each in the finals of Asian Championships on Saturday in Bishkek. India also continued its good show and put two wrestlers in the gold medal bouts for Sunday.

The DPR Korea and Japan managed to one wrestler each in the final.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | WHO IS GAHREHDAGHI?

125kg semifinals - Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) with a fall in 41 seconds over DINESH (IND) to enter the final. He hits a double leg attack straight off the whistle and then works the fall.

Reigning world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) went of the offensive in the second period and powered to a 5-0 victory over BUHEEERDUN (CHN), giving the Iranian a chance for a second Asian gold in his second appearance after winning in 2024. With neither giant able to muster anything resembling a scoring opportunity, Zare scored the lone point of the first period via the activity clock. But Zare took the initiative in the second period, bulling Buheeerdun to the mat for a takedown, then adding a gut wrench to make it 5-0. At one point, Zare shot for a takedown and Buheeerdun knocked him off balance, but could not convert the opening. It was a better showing for Buheeerdun than the last time they met, when Zare whipped him 10-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Games.

92kg semifinals - Two-time bronze medalist Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) became another first-time finalist in Bishkek with a workmanlike 8-0 victory over Asian U20 bronze medalist Iakov CHAPLIN (KGZ). Sharipov took a 2-0 lead when he scored a stepout just seconds after the activity clock ran out on Chaplin for the lone points of the first period. In the second, Sharipov came out firing and scored a takedown with a driving tackle. He used his power again for a second, countering a takedown attempt by blocking a leg and driving ahead, then got behind for his third takedown of the period to make it 8-0.

U23 world champion Mobin AZIMI (IRI) earns a shot at his first senior Asian title after he wins 6-0 against Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ). He got the first point when Dauletbekov was put on the activity clock and then doubled the lead with a stepout. The exact sequence played out in the second period as well as Azimi led 4-0. A takedown for a 6-0 score sealed the win for Azimi.

86kg semifinals - Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) with a fireman's carry to score a four-pointer over Mukul DAHIYA (IND) to start the semifinal and he then adds a takedown to make it 6-0. Dahiya gets takedown before the break to cut the score to 6-2. Dahiya scores a takedown before break to cut the lead to 6-2. He opens the score period with a takedown to make it 6-4 before driving Sakayev for a two-point takedown. Sakayev keep a 6-6 criteria lead but Dahiya takes a clear lead with a go-behind. As Sakayev struggles with conditioning, Dahiya scores two more takedowns and wins the semifinals 12-6

Two-time world and Asian champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) proves too much for Asian U23 silver medalist Alp Arslan BEGENJOV (TKM), storming to an 11-0 victory to advance to the final in his first Asian appearance since winning the 92kg gold in 2021. Ghasempour, a bronze medalist at last year's World Championships, bides his time, first gaining an activity point before adding a takedown and gut wrench combination for a 5-0 lead in the first period. In the second, he scores with a high crotch, goes to the lace lock and rolls twice to end the match at 3:31. Begenjov was looking to become Turkmenistan's first finalist since 1999; he will now have a chance to become its first medalist since 2018 and the first-ever in Freestyle.

74kg semifinals - Orozbek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) tries multiple ways to score on Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) but the Japanese just doesn't give up a takedown. He opened the match with a sweep single takedown and turned Toktomambetov for a 6-0 lead. Toktomambetov finally gets on Aoyagi's legs but the Japanese defends and then steps over to score two exposure points to lead 6-0 at the break. Both wrestlers go towards the edge and it is Toktomambetov who puts his hand out first which gives one point to Aoyagi. Kyrgyzstan challenges the call and lose it to add one more point to Aoyagi's score and make it 8-0. Aoyagi then blocks a throw from Toktomambetov and lands on top for two points and finish the bout.

Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) won't have to settle for a bronze medal this time after making his first Asian final with a takedown in each period of a 4-3 victory over Asian U23 bronze medalist Begijon KULDASHEV (UZB). After Kuldashev could only come away with a stepout after getting in on a deep single, Asluev took the lead with a takedown to go ahead 2-1 at the break. Asluev, who won his second career bronze last year, added his second takedown early in the second period. Kuldashev used a nifty duck under for a takedown that cut the gap to 1 with :46 left, but Asluev held on to secure the best medal of his career.

61kg semifinals - Asian Games silver medalist Kwang Myong KIM (PRK) gets a takedown and then catches Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) on his back and pins the world bronze medalist. Abdullaev is left stunned as he walks off the mat.

In a thriller between two turbo-charged wrestlers, Olympic bronze medalist AMAN (IND) outlasts Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) 11-9 to earn a shot at a second career Asian gold. Javan sweeps in for a single and gets Aman's leg into the air, but instead of going to the mat, he drives Aman out and to his back for a 4-pointer. Aman responds with a double-leg takedown, then adds a stepout that the Iranian challenges but loses. Javan scores with another sweeping single, only for Aman to come back with a takedown to make it 6-6 at the break. Aman goes ahead with a stepout to start the second period, then stays on the offensive and gets another to make it 8-6 at the halfway point. Aman makes Javan, who continually takes breaks complaining of a sore ankle, work hard for a stepout, then comes right back with a takedown to go up 10-7 with :30 left. Javan makes one last push and gets a takedown in the final seconds, but is also assessed a 1-point penalty for being slow to continue the match.

Qualification Session Highlights

13:12: Superstar Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) takes the mat for the first time in the final match of the session. The reigning 125kg world champion and Olympic silver medalist fends off the attacks of a gutsy world U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), scoring three takedowns off counters in a 7-0 victory.

13:01: World silver medalist Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) survives a stiff test from Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), piling up an early lead then gaining a late defensive takedown to notch an 8-5 victory and advance to the 61kg semifinals. Javan gives up a takedown to start the match, but reverses and gains two exposures for a 5-2 lead. The two trade stepouts early in the second period before Hasegawa cuts the gap to 1 with a takedown with 1:30 left. But when he shoots for the potential winning score, Javan deftly leaps over him and gets behind to clinch the victory.

12:52: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) prevails in his latest encounter with longtime rival Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ), scoring a takedown with :04 left for a 4-3 win and a place in the 61kg semifinals. Each wrestler had received an activity point when Almaz Uulu went ahead with a pair of stepouts. But Addullaev connected on a single and reeled in Almaz Uulu for the takedown, which survived the subsequent challenge. In their most recent meeting, Almaz Uulu won 8-0 in the 57kg semifinals at the World Championships.

12:50: AMAN (IND), a former Asian champion at 57kg, takes his time to get going but once he does, he finishes his 61kg quarterfinal 11-0 against Changsu KIM (KOR) and advance to the semifinals.

12:46: Zagreb Ranking Series champion and returning bronze medalist Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) comes out with a 2-point exposure from an odd scramble that starts when he jams up a back suplex attempt by Arslanbek TURDUBEKOV (KGZ) in their 125kg quarterfinal. An unsuccessful challenge makes it 3-0, which is how the first period ends. In the second, Sharipov secures a bear hug and attempts a back suplex himself, from which he gets a 2-point takedown. He adds a defensive takedown to chalk up a 7-0 win.

12:42: Mobin AZIMI (IRI) works on a 9-0 victory over Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN) at 92kg. Ishiguro never seemed to trouble Azimi, who is a U23 world champion

12:32: Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ), looking to add to his extensive collection of Asian medals — six overall, including three golds, dating back to 2017 -- overcomes a tough foe in Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) for a 3-0 win at 92kg. Dauletbekov, who took a bronze last year, scores a takedown in the first period and adds a stepout in the second.

12:29: Two-time bronze medalist Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) scores a takedown in each period and that's all he needs for a 5-0 victory over Hade AYIDUSI (CHN) and a place in the 92kg semifinals.

12:25: World champion at 70kg Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) is ecstatic after beating Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) 7-6 in the 74kg quarterfinals. Aoyagi scored the first takedown of the match to lead 2-0 before a scramble and challenge from Yazdani switches the lead to 4-4 criteria for Yazdani. But Aoyagi with a takedown with 26 seconds left in the bout to take the lead again. Yazdani tries a body throw but Aoyagi blocks him and Yazdani falls on his back. It is initially score four points for Aoyagi but Iran wins another challenge and it scored a stepout for Yazdani on review. Aoyagi, leading 6-5, gives up a stepout while trying to escape but still holds 6-6 criteria. Iran challenge again the last 15 seconds but there is no takedown from Yazdani as he drops the bout 7-6. WIth the win, Aoyagi avenges his loss against Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) from two years ago at 70kg.

12:22: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), looking to improve on his silver medal from last year in the stacked 74kg weight class, JAIDEEP (IND) takes a fragile lead with an activity point and stepout in the first period. In the second, Toktomambetov fends off everything Jaideep throws at him to snatch a 2-0 win.

12:15: Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) begins his bid to improve on his silver medal from last year at 86kg with a 12-2 rout of Song Gang JI (PRK). Sakayev opens with a counter lift for 2, and after giving up a takedown, pulls away with a takedown, two exposures and a gut wrench to lead 10-2 at the break. He ends with chest wrap counter 37 seconds in the second period.

12:05: Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) has had some heartbreaking moments in recent years. A gold at the Asian Championships can perhaps bring some confidence back to him. He takes the first step towards the title with a 12-2 routing of Yudai TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 86kg.

12:00: Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), a former U17 and U20 world champion, gets a takedown in the final minute to pull off a 2-2 criteria win over Nambardagva BATBAYAR (MGL) at 125kg with cheers from the crowd. He gets to face world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) next

11:58: Olympic and world bronze medalist Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) gets his campaign started at 61kg by notching a takedown in each period for a 4-1 victory over returning bronze medalist Wanhao ZOU (CHN).

11:51: Asian Games champion Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), wrestling for the first time since that win in October 2023, starts off with a 6-2 victory over Assyl AITAKYN (KAZ) at 61kg. The match hung in balance with Hasegawa leading 4-2 and Aitakyn attacking non-stop. But Hasegawa got on a double-leg attack and then held Aitakyn in danger for two points to get a 6-2 lead. He managed to hold on to it till the end of the time.

11:49: Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN), an 86kg bronze medalist last year who has moved up to 92kg, gets three gut wrenches off a takedown to finish up a 12-2 win over Punit KUMAR (IND) and advance to the quarterfinals.

11:48: In a clash between last year's Asian U23 bronze medalists at 61kg, Kwang Myong KIM (PRK) dominates, scoring a 4-point takedown en route to a 10-0 win over Batnasan GANKHULEG (MGL) in just under two minutes.

11:45: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN), the world champion and three-time Asian medalist at 70kg who has moved up to the Olympic weight of 74kg, uses a low single and locks his head between the thighs of 2-2021 bronze medalist Sumiyabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL), then hits a "wishbone" roll to take a 3-0 lead into the break. Aoyagi puts up an impenetrable wall of defense and walks off with a 3-0 win.

11:36: Asian U23 champion JAIDEEP (IND) gets a takedown and exposure to open a 5-0 lead in the first period against Daegil HAN (KOR), then turns him in the second period for a fall and he's into the 74kg quarterfinals.

11:27: Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) hugs Anil GEDARAA (SRI) as if to apologize after pinning him using a cradle in their 74kg match.

11:20: Malik SHAVAEV (KGZ) breaks a 1-1 deadlock with a single-leg takedown with 59 seconds left in his 79kg qualification-round bout before holding on for a 3-1 win over Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN), a world bronze medalist and Asian silver medalist last year at 79kg. After taking the lead, Shavaev tries to run out the clock but shooting again. Saipudinov desperately tries to break the hold, and eventually gets behind Shavaev, who keeps his knees off the mat. Saipudinov runs him out of the ring, but time had already run out.

11:14: Song Gang JI (PRK), the heaviest wrestler to represent the DPR Korea at the Asian Championships since 2010, gets off to a roaring start at 86kg. He follows a single-leg takedown with four back-and-forth gut wrenches for a 10-0 win over Madushanka MUDIYANSELAGE (SRI) in 36 seconds.

11:03: In the opening match on Mat A, brawny 2024 world U23 bronze medalist Yudai TAKAHASHI (JPN) slams down Weng CHOW (SGP) for a 4-point takedown that gives him a 10-0 win 56 seconds into their qualification round bout at 86kg

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Iran, Bahrain Put Three in Asian Championships Final