#WrestleBudapest

India Crowns Two #WrestleBudapest Champions; Russia Bounces Back

By Vinay Siwach

BUDAPEST, Hungary (July 20) --- India won the head-to-head battle in the finals against USA to claim two gold medals as five new world champions were crowned at the cadet World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. USA, Russia and Iran won the remaining three titles.

Aman GULIA (IND) defeated Luke LILLEDAHL (USA) at 48kg and Sagar JALGAN (IND) won the 80kg final against James ROWLEY (USA) which helped India stay alive in the team title race.

The second day of the Championships saw the medal bouts of 48kg, 55kg, 65kg, 80kg and 110kg while the finalists were also decided in the remaining five weight classes – 45kg, 51kg, 60kg, 71kg and 92kg. The remaining medal bouts will take place Wednesday.

Cadet World Championships Budapest

Gulia was the first champ as he held off Pan Am champion Lilledahl in the 48kg final 5-2. The Indian was awarded the first point for the American's passivity and he later extended his lead to 3-0, scoring a takedown via slide-by.

In the second period, he went for a big double but Lilledalh was quick to push his legs back and counter for a takedown and reduce the lead to 3-2. But his attempts for another two points for the win went in vain as Gulia defended the duck-under attacks. A counter gave two more points to Gulia.

“I have worked really hard to reach here,” Gulia said. “I can't thank my coaches enough and I would ask them to train me harder for the junior and senior level and ultimately the Olympics.”

In the second India-USA final, Jaglan showed a stronger stamina than Rowley to win 4-0 ay 80kg. All four points were scored via stepouts as Rowley looked a shadow of himself from Monday. Rowley found it difficult to sneak through Jaglan's defence which remained solid throughout the four minutes.

Meyer SHAPIRO USAMeyer SHAPIRO (USA) won the 65kg gold in Budapest. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

But it was not all disappointment for USA as Meyer SHAPIRO (USA) won the 65kg gold medal with a stunning win over Giorgi GOGRITCHIANI (GEO). He got the fall after completely breaking his Georgian opponent.

Gogritchiani led early in the bout but Shapiro, with his constant pressure and attacks, wore down the Georgian and by the last minute, he had the bout under his control.

“I did not have any plan and had a blank mind as I wrestled,” Shapiro said. “I wanted to remain calm and with a minute and 30 seconds remaining, I knew the kid is not going to last long. I knew by that time that I will win the match."

Shapiro, with his high-paced wrestling, worked two takedowns as Gogritchiani crumbled and gave up. “When I got the first takedown, I got the momentum. That was 50 seconds remaining,”

The 17-year-old called it his biggest win and said he will be taking some time off wrestling after two grueling months of training.

“Definitely the biggest tournament I have won, he said. “Especially to come from behind and win. I had a great tournament. I am going to take some time off wrestling and go home and relax.”

Amirreza Fardin MASOUMI VALADI (IRI)Amirreza MASOUMI VALADI (IRI) became a world champion at the 110kg weight class. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran had a special moment in Budapest as Amirreza MASOUMI VALADI (IRI), son of two-time world medalist and 2008 Olympics fifth-placer Fardin, won the gold medal at 110kg.

Wrestling against James MULLEN (USA), Masoumi Valadi scored two four-point throws and then a counter for two points to finish the bout 10-0 well before the regular time of four minutes.

Mullen pressured Masoumi Valadi towards the danger zone but the latter tossed him over for four points. The second attempt was by the Iran wrestler as he pushed and scored four more. A desperate Mullen tried an arm-throw but failed, giving the Iranian 10-0 win.

Russia won the 55kg gold as Magomed BAITUKAEV (RUS) defeated Abdinur NURLANBEK (KAZ) 4-3 in a nail-biting final, thanks to a challenge which Russia won in the final few seconds.

Nulanbek tried defending a lead in the second period but Baitukaev scored a takedown which was not awarded initially and only after the challenge. The Kazak then got another point but it was not enough for the title.

“I am very happy to win the gold medal. My opponent was very tough. When I was stepping on the mat, I was thinking about the victory,” Baitukaev said.

Russia bounces back

Russia will have a chance to add to Baitukaev's gold on Wednesday as it bounced back after a dismal opening day and advanced three finalists on the second day.

Iran and Uzbekistan also improved their performances and sent two wrestlers each to the finals. Two best teams of day one – USA and India – managed to only one each. Turkey earned the remaining spot in the finals' line-up.

Tuesday's performance from Russia brought them back into the team race as they removed India from the second spot and closed the gap with top team USA which has five finalists in total.

Bowen William BASSETT (USA)Bowen BASSETT (USA) secured his place in the 45kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Russia and USA will square off in the 45kg final on Wednesday as Alikhan ASHINOV (RUS) and Bowen BASSETT (USA) dominated their respective halves of the bracket to reach the summit clash.

Bassett, who is just 14-years-old, was class apart in the competition as he won his first two bouts via fall and the semifinal via technical superiority.

His opponent in the semifinal, Umidjon ISKANDAROV (UZB), did score two points over Bassett in the semifinal but surrendered 13 to the young cadet from USA.

Bassett, unfazed that he is the youngest wrestler in the field, said he got better with each bout and is confident that he can go all the way.

“I don't let that [age] faze my mind. I just try to tech fall everyone,” Bassett said. “My performance got better as it went on. First match I wrestled well, got it done but every match as it goes on, I get better. No one can stop me.”

He will be wrestling Ashinov in the final who beat Imronbek RAKHMANOV (KGZ) in the semifinal 6-0. All six points were scored in the first period.

Ashinov, the Kabardino, Balkaria native, trains in a village close to Nalchik. He said he is excited to wrestle an American wrestler in the final.

“I know that my opponent will be the American guy, but I have never seen his wrestling before,” Ashinov said. “But I'll be ready.”

Bassett echoed the same thoughts, given that USA and Russia enjoy a healthy rivalry in wrestling.

“He [Ashinov] will be pretty tough,” Bassett said. “I am glad that I'll be wrestling him in the finals. USA vs Russia is a rivalry. Excited for that. It will be a great match and best of luck to him.”

Akhmed Abdulaevitch MUSAEV (RUS)Akhmed MUSAEV (RUS) defeated JAIDEEP (IND) to enter the 71kg final in Budapest. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

At 71kg, Akhmed MUSAEV (RUS) booked his spot in the final against Seyedhassan ESMAEILNEZHAD ARCHI (IRI) after a late exposure win in the semifinal.

Wrestling JAIDEEP (IND) in the semifinal, he gave up two stepouts and was training until the last 20 seconds when both wrestlers scrambled for advantage. As the time expired, Russia challenged, asking for two points for Musaev.

Musaev won the challenge and claimed a 2-2 win over Jaideep to enter the final against Esmaeilnezhad Archi, who defeated Yerkhan BEXULTANOV (KAZ) 5-1 in the semifinal.

Zhorik DZHIOEV (RUS) was third Russian to enter the final as he advanced at the 92kg weight class. In a dominating performance, Dzhioev defeated Gavin NELSON (USA) 8-0 in the semifinal.

"I wrestled well today but I don't know what will happen in the final,” Dzhioev, who trains at the Ossetia's Brothers’ Taimazov club, said. “I haven’t seen my opponent’s match, I’ll try to get ready as if it is my last match.”

He will face Rifat GIDAK (TUR) in the final. The Turkey wrestler was equally dominant as he defeated Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE) 6-0 in the semifinal. He is yet to concede a point in the tournament, having scored 21 over his opponents.

Iran and Uzbekistan set up a final at 51kg as Nodirbek JUMANAZAROV (UZB) and Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) advanced from either side of the bracket.

FS 51kg Jesuroga (USA) vs. Jumanazarov (UZB)Nodirbek JUMANAZAROV (UZB) will wrestle for the 51kg gold. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Jumanazarov's first victim was Nathanael JESUROGA (USA) as he won 10-0 before beating Tigran BUNIATYAN (ARM) 8-2 in the semifinal.

Khorramdel was equally dominant in the day he outscored his opponents 26-0 in three bouts. In the semifinals, he faced CHIRAG (IND) and got a 6-0 win with ease.

The second Uzbekistan wrestler to enter the final was Kamronbek KADAMOV (UZB) as he secured the place in the 60kg gold medal bout against Jaskaran SINGH (IND).

Kadamov is a returning silver medalist from 2019 cadet World Championships in Sofia. He overcame Baris UNSAL (TUR) 9-0 in the semifinal and will now be preparing for Singh.

“We are going to analyze the videos of my Indian opponent together with my coaches,” he said.

Singh, who trains in Patiala, Punjab, outscored his opponents 32-4 on his way to the final. With a strong defence and some perfect single leg attacks, he made it to the final after beating Abdulrahman IBRAHIMOV (AZE) 6-2 in the semifinal.

On Wednesday, women's wrestling will take centerstage. Japan, China and Canada, the top nations in women's wrestling, are not entered for the tournament due to travel restrictions forced by COVID-19.

Sagar PodiumThe four medalists at 80kg weight class in Budapest. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

RESULTS:

48kg
GOLD: Aman GULIA (IND) df Luke LILLEDAHL (USA), 5-2

BRONZE: Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM) df Rezo MARSAGISHVILI (GEO), via fall
BRONZE: Nurdanat AITANOV (KAZ) df Akhmad MUSAKHADZHIEV (RUS), 7-2

55kg
GOLD:
Magomed BAITUKAEV (RUS) df. Abdinur NURLANBEK (KAZ), 4-3

BRONZE: Abdullah TOPRAK (TUR) df Shahdad KHOSRAVI MARDAKHEH (IRI), 5-2
BRONZE: Javid JAVADOV (AZE) df Vaibhav PATIL (IND), 7-5

65kg
GOLD:
Meyer SHAPIRO (USA) df Giorgi GOGRITCHIANI (GEO), via fall

BRONZE: Ali REZAEIAGHOUZGELEH (IRI) df Dyanko DYANKOV (BUL), 10-0
BRONZE: Khabib ZAVURBEKOV (RUS) df Aghanazar NOVRUZOV (AZE), 10-2

80kg
GOLD:
Sagar JAGLAN (IND) df James ROWLEY (USA), 4-0

BRONZE: Tornike SAMKHARADZE (GEO) df Sattarkhan ALLAHVERDILI (AZE), 4-2
BRONZE: Mustafagadzhi MALACHDIBIROV (RUS) df Gabriele NICCOLINI (ITA), via fall

110kg
GOLD:
Amirreza MASOUMI VALADI (IRI) df James MULLEN (USA), 10-0

BRONZE: Ilia ZHIBALOV (RUS) df Aynazar BAZARBAEV (UZB), 9-0
BRONZE: SAHIL (IND) df Alikhan KUSSAINOV (KAZ), via fall

Rifat Eren GIDAK (TUR)Rifat GIDAK (TUR), left, will wrestle for the 92kg gold medal in Budapest. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Semifinal Results

45kg
GOLD:
Alikhan ASHINOV (RUS) vs Bowen BASSETT (USA)

SF 1: Bowen BASSETT (USA) df Umidjon ISKANDAROV (UZB), 13-2
SF 2: Alikhan ASHINOV (RUS) df Imronbek RAKHMANOV (KGZ), 6-0

51kg
GOLD:
Nodirbek JUMANAZAROV (UZB) vs Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI)

SF 1: Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) df CHIRAG (IND), 6-0
SF 2: Nodirbek JUMANAZAROV (UZB) df Tigran BUNIATYAN (ARM), 8-2

60kg
GOLD:
Jaskaran SINGH (IND) vs Kamronbek KADAMOV (UZB)

SF 1: Jaskaran SINGH (IND) df Abdulrahman IBRAHIMOV (AZE), 6-2
SF 2: Kamronbek KADAMOV (UZB) df Baris UNSAL (TUR), 9-0

71kg
GOLD:
Akhmed MUSAEV (RUS) vs Seyedhassan ESMAEILNEZHAD ARCHI (IRI)

SF 1: Seyedhassan ESMAEILNEZHAD ARCHI (IRI) df Yerkhan BEXULTANOV (KAZ), 5-1
SF 2: Akhmed MUSAEV (RUS) df JAIDEEP (IND), 2-2

92kg
GOLD:
Rifat GIDAK (TUR) vs Zhorik DZHIOEV (RUS)

SF 1: Zhorik DZHIOEV (RUS) df Gavin NELSON (USA), 8-0
SF 2: Rifat GIDAK (TUR) df Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE), 6-0

#wrestlebishkek

India, DPR Korea and China top nations at Asian Olympic qualifier

By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 20) -- Asian OG Qualifier enters its second day with Women's Wrestling in six Olympic weight classes. 12 Olympic quotas will be awarded for Paris 2024.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | FREESTYLE REPORT

76 wrap: World U23 champion REETIKA (IND) gives India its third win of the night with an untroubled 7-0 victory over Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE). Reetika scores a pair of takedowns by spinning to the side off a front headlock, then adds a stepout for a 5-0 lead. It is much the same tactic in the second period to add another takedown to the tally as she keeps Chang at bay and is content to run out the clock in her fourth match of the day.

China won its third quota as well with Juan WANG (CHN) defeating Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) 6-1 in the semifinal. Bakbergenova got on board first as for Wang's passivity but was put on the activity clock in the second period and she failed to score to give Wang a 1-1 criteria lead. Wang held on to that lead till the final 10 seconds when she made a desperate attempt and Wang circled and pulled off a suplex for four. Kazakhstan challenged the call but lost giving one more point to Wang.

68kg wrap: Hosts Kyrgyzstan gets its third Paris 2024 quota as former world champion Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) holds on to a 7-3 win over Nabira ESENBAEVA (UZB). 

Sol Gum PAK (PRK) pulls off a thrilling 7-4 victory over three-time Asian Games champion and two-time Olympian Feng ZHOU (CHN) to give the DPR Korea its third win in four matches. Pak, who needed to beat Olympic bronze medalist Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) in her final round-robin group match to make the qualifying match, opens with a takedown, but the lanky Zhou comes back with a counter lift from a front body lock to lead 2-2 on criteria at the break. In the second period, Pak goes ahead with a single-leg takedown from an underhook. As the clock ticks down, Zhou secures a front headlock and tries to muscle Pak over. Pak stops the throw for a moment to get a 2-point exposure before Zhou completes the roll. An unsuccessful challenge upholds Pak's exposure.

62kg wrap: Former world champion Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) proves too much for unheralded Hanbit LEE (KOR), scoring a fall for a victory that puts her back in the Olympics for the first time since 2016. Purevdorj, who won her lone Asian gold in Bishkek in 2018, uses a single for a takedown, then applies an arm bar and plies her opponent over for the fall in 1:57.

Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK) wins a second wrestling quota for the DPR Korea with a controlled 6-2 win over MANSI (IND). Mun used three takedowns against an agile Mansi who could have won India's third quota of the night.

57kg wrap: Zagreb Open champion Kexin HONG (CHN) pulls off a miracle comeback and avenges a loss at last October's Asian Games to In Sun JONG (PRK), storming back from an eight-point deficit to not only tie the match, but secure a fall and the ticket to Paris. Jong opened the match with a single-leg takedown, then put on a fine display of counter wrestling with consecutive counter-lifts to make it 6-0, then another to take an 8-0 lead into the break. But Hong got behind when Jong shot right off the whistle in the second period and added a lace-lock roll to cut the gap to 8-4. Hong then works out of a deep single for a takedown, flips Jong onto her back and secures the fall at 4:36. Jong had beaten Hong 4-2 in the Asian Games semifinals.

India gets its second quota of the night and third overall as ANSHU (IND) uses gut wrench to beat the 2023 Asian Championships silver medalist Laylokhon SOBIROVA (UZB) 11-0 inside the first period. She won 10-0 but Uzbekistan was challenged as the last roll was not exposure but a review confirmed the two points.

53kg wrap: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) puts the DPR Korea in the Paris Olympics. She wins the first wrestling quota for the country with a 4-0 win over Zhuldyz ESHIMOVA (KAZ). Choe scored a takedown in the first period and tried holding that lead till the end. Eshimova, who needed a takedown to win, made a desperate attempt but Choe countered for another two points and the win.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and two-time world bronze medalist PANG Qianyu (CHN) earned her ticket to Paris after cruising to a 10-0 victory over Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB). Pang forces her way behind for an opening takedown, then gets a 2-point tilt and a pair of gut wrenches for an 8-0 lead. In the second period, Pang eludes a single-leg attempt and spins behind for a takedown that ends the match.

50kg wrap: Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) becomes the first woman in Uzbekistan history to clinch a spot in the Olympics when she hangs on desperately to a 4-2 victory over Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE).  Keunimjaeva takes a 3-0 lead with a single-leg takedown with Hsieh on the activity clock, but a late shot at another is countered, and Hsieh slips behind for 2 with five seconds left in the first period. Keunimjaeva, who takes a timeout for treatment on her knee, keeps shooting in the second period, and although she can't finish them off, she eats away at precious time. After a late shot in the final seconds, Hsieh tries to slip away, but Keumjaeva clings onto the toes for dear life and gets the win. A challenge is unsuccessful. It is a reverse of their meeting at the 2021 Asian Olympic Qualifier at 53kg, which Hsieh won 16-8, although neither wrestler ended up qualifying.

VINESH (IND) wins the second quota for India for the Paris Games. Down at 50kg from her favored 53kg, she rolls to a 10-0 win over Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ). Leading 4-0 into the second period, Vinesh scored a takedown and then used two gut wrenches to finish the bout.

Here's the schedule for the Paris Qualification bouts

50kg
Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) vs. Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE)
VINESH (IND) vs. Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ)

53kg
Qianyu PANG (CHN) vs. Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB)
Zhuldyz ESHIMOVA (KAZ) vs. Hyogyong CHOE (PRK)

57kg
Kexin HONG (CHN) vs. In Sun JONG (PRK)
Laylokhon SOBIROVA (UZB) vs. ANSHU (IND)

62kg
Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) vs. Hanbit LEE (KOR)
Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK) vs. MANSI (IND)

68kg
Feng ZHOU (CHN) vs. Sol Gum PAK (PRK)
Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) vs. Nabira ESENBAEVA (UZB)

76kg
REETIKA (IND) vs. Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE)
Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) vs. Juan WANG (CHN)

12:25: Sol Gum PAK (PRK) stuns Olympic bronze medalist Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) 6-2 in their final group match at 62kg to advance at the expense of NISHA (IND) after all three finished 2-1. Pak leads 2-0 when Zhumanazarova goes ahead in the second period with a takedown. Pak works out from the bottom and grabs a leg, then slips out of a whizzer throw for a takedown and a 4-2 lead. She counters a late takedown for her final points. Zhumanazarova still topped the group, while Pak advanced despite losing to Nisha in the first round of matches.

12:20: REETIKA (IND) hangs on for a 9-6 win over Juan WANG (CHN) in the final Group bout at 76kg. Wang was cautioned for fleeing twice as Reetika scored stepouts. The Indian got a four-pointer to lead 8-0 at the break. Wang began her comeback with a takedown. She scored another in the 10 seconds, and added a gut but before she could tie it 8-8, the time ran out. China challenged but lost giving Reetika another point. Reetika tops the group and will face Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE).

12:15: Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) wins a 6-4 thriller at 53kg over Aizhan SABYRBEK KYZY (KGZ). Down 2-0, Akhmedova scores a takedown, then in a scramble, gives up a 2-point exposure before getting one herself with 49 seconds left. That puts her ahead 4-4 on criteria, and she fights off a fierce attack, scoring a consolation takedown in the final seconds.

12:05: Olympic silver medalist Qianyu PANG (CHN) hangs on in a nail-biter for a 5-2 victory over a feisty Khulan BATKHUYAG (MGL) to make the qualifying match at 53kg. Pang is ahead 2-0 on a pair of stepouts when she pads the lead to 4-0 with a spin-behind takedown. With time running out, Batkhuyag works for a big move, and nearly gets it with a back trip for 2. She lifts Pang's legs and turns her over, but it comes after time expires. An unsuccessful challenge gives Pang her fifth point.

12:01: NISHA (IND) looks to have clinched second place in her 68kg group with a 10-0 victory over Yelena SHALYGINA (KAZ).

11:53: Asian Games bronze medalist Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) continues her dramatic tournament at 50kg, scoring a 2-point counter on a deep takedown attempt by Thi Xuan NGUYEN (VIE) in the last 20 seconds to clinch a 3-1 victory and advance to the Olympic qualifying match.

11:49: Zhuldyz ESHIMOVA (KAZ), the Grand Dame of 53kg, hangs on for a 2-1 victory over Thi My Trang NGUYEN (VIE) to advance to the Olympic qualifying match. The 36-year-old Eshimova, whose collection of Asian medals dates back to 2007, will be aiming to make her third Olympics, having appeared at London 2012 and Rio 2016. 

11:45: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) limps but that is after she has pinned Nethmi AHINSA (SRI) to enter the 53kg semifinal. Can Choe win the first Paris 2024 wrestling quota for the DPR Korea

11:44: Asian Games bronze medalist Juan WANG (CHN) takes a 2-0 lead against Eunju HWANG (KOR) in the second period, where she scores a takedown and three gut wrenches for a 10-0 victory at 76kg. She is 2-0 in her group with one match to go.

11:41: VINESH (IND) is too good for Samnang DIT (CAM) as the Indian pins her inside the first minute to enter the 50kg semifinals. She is now one win away from winning the Paris 2024 quota.

11:36: Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) virtually assures she will be fighting for a ticket to Paris tonight when she defeats NISHA (IND) for her second fall in two matches in her 68kg round-robin group.

11:33: In a battle of world U23 bronze medalists from the past two years, MANSI (IND) scores a takedown with 1:12 left for a 6-4 come-from-behind victory over Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ) at 62kg.

11:32: U23 world champion REETIKA (IND) controls her Round 2 bout against Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) at 76kg throughout and wins 11-0.

11:27: Asian Games champion Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK), leading 4-0, opens the second period with a headlock takedown to the back of Tokyo Olympian Jia LONG (CHN), the 2023 Asian gold medalist at 65kg. It takes a while, but eventually, Mun records the fall.  

11:25: Asian Games champion Feng ZHOU (CHN) with another strong performance. She uses the ever-reliable gut wrench to win 10-0 against Ohyoung HA (KOR).

11:22: Former world champion Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL), looking to get back to the Olympics after placing 7th at Rio 2016, moves one win away at 62kg by posting a 13-2 rout of Gulmira AITMURATOVA (UZB).

11:20: Tokyo Olympian ANSHU (IND), the 2021 world silver medalist, completes her third 4-point takedown-roll combination at the first-period buzzer to oust Kalmira BILIMBEKOVA (KGZ) 12-1 at 57kg

11:14: Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) scores a shocking 7-7 victory on criteria at 50kg over Son Hyang KIM (PRK), the Asian Games silver medalist and a 2017 world bronze medalist,  with the winning point coming on a fingers-grabbing penalty in the final seconds that was awarded on the challenge. Kim was leading 6-2 when she gave up a 4-point counter lift with 12 seconds left, but went ahead by getting behind for a 1-point reversal with :07 on the clock.

11:02: Veteran Yelena SHALYGINA (KAZ) sees her bid to make a third Olympics -- she appeared at Beijing 2008 and London 2014 -- are all but ended when she is dealt a 10-0 loss to Sol Gum PAK (PRK) for her second loss in her 68kg round-robin group.

11:02: Asian Games bronze medalist Kexin HONG (CHN) goes out the back door and lifts up and back for 4, part of a comprehensive 11-0 victory over Emma TISSINA (KAZ) at 57kg.

11:00: Laylokhon SOBIROVA (UZB) gets Youngjin KWON (KOR) in a strangle for a pin but Kwon survives. Sobiraova, an Asian silver medalist, finishes with a 12-2 win at 57kg

10:59: Khulan BATKHUYAG (MGL), the 2022 world silver medalist, begins her campaign at 53kg with an 8-6 victory over Seoyoung PARK (KOR), who scores all of her points in the final 10 seconds. Next up for Batkhuyag is Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Qianyu PANG (CHN).

10:56: Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ) wins a wild one at 50kg over Vatansulton SHAKARSHOEVA (TJK), taking the big point-filled match 12-7.

10:52: REETIKA (IND) begins her senior debut at 76kg with a 10-0 hammering of Eunju HWANG (KOR). That is followed with another Indian-Korea bout and Vinesh, who has moved down to 50kg as India already has the 53kg quota, rolls to a 10-0 win over Miran CHEON (KOR).

10:49: In a round-robin group match at 76kg, Asian Games bronze medalist Juan WANG (CHN) breaks open a 1-1 match with a takedown and two rolls in the second period for a 7-2 win over 2023 world 72kg silver medalist Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL). There's a good chance they could meet again for the Paris quota.

10:40: Feng ZHOU (CHN) rolls to an 11-0 win over Nabira ESENBAEVA (UZB) at 68kg. Total dominance from Zhou. In the same weight class, NISHA (IND) beats Sol Gum PAK (PRK) 7-3 and wins the Round 1 bout.

10:35: Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) with a bright start for the local fans in Bishkek with a technical superiority win over Yelena SHALYGINA (KAZ) at 68kg. This was a Round 1 bout which means that Shalygina can still make it to the semifinal.

10:30: 12 Paris Olympic quotas in Women's Wrestling on offer here in Bishkek. Japan already has all six so none of the Japanese are competing