#WrestleHangzhou

Iran bounces back to win two Asian Games golds in Greco-Roman

Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 11:18 By Vinay Siwach

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LIN'AN, Hangzhou, China (October 5) -- After the disappointment of two silver medals on Wednesday, Iran bounced back with two gold medals in Greco-Roman on Thursday. Both gold medals came at the expense of home wrestlers.

Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) gets the first par terre advantage and scores a turn to lead 3-0 against Yiming LI (CHN). A stepout to lead 4-0 at the break. Li got the par terre advantage in the second period and Saravi, confidently, defended the position without giving up any points.

A caution point was awarded to Saravi as Li was penalized for locking fingers. Saravi would calmly see off the remaining time on the clock to win 5-1 and Iran's first gold medal in wrestling at the Asian Games.

"It was a good competition," Saravi said of the final. "Thank God that I was able to win the gold medal with the correct planning that we did with the coaches."

Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI)Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) won the 97kg gold medal at the Asian Games. (Photo: UWW / Sachiko Hotaka)

Saravi began the day with a big 6-3 win over two-time World Championships medalists Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) and followed that with a 3-1 victory over U. DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) in the quarterfinals. Islam UMAYEV (KAZ) failed to put up any challenge and Saravi moved into the finals with ease.

Having wrestled Li at the Bishkek Ranking Series this year, Saravi used the same strategy and kept it under control after the first turn in par terre. However, Saravi did not deny that the partisan crowd in the Lin'an Sport and Culture Exhibition Center.

"I wrestled with Li in the Ranking Series, but the conditions here were a little more difficult," he said. "The presence of Chinese spectators made the situation a little more difficult."

The 2021 world champion came into the Asian Games after a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 World Championships. But he said that the Belgrade tournament did not really affect his preparation for the Asian Games.

"I was ready because I trained hard for the World Championships and we had already planned for this competition," he said. "Thank God that my body was ready for this competition and I could get the best result."

Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI)Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) won the 130kg gold after beating Lingzhe MENG (CHN) 1-1 in the final. (Photo: UWW / Sachiko Hotaka)

The second gold medal for Iran in Greco-Roman was captured by 130kg world champion Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) who also defeated a Chinese wrestler, Lingzhe MENG (CHN), to win his Asian Games title.

In what was a repeat of the 2023 Asian Championships final, Mirzazadeh continued his unbeaten run this year with a 1-1 victory over Meng. The two wrestlers exchanged passivity points and Mirzazadeh won by the virtue of scoring the last point.

Mirzazadeh won his first world title in Belgrade after he stunned five-time world champion Riza KAYAALP (TUR) 2-2 in the final.

While Iran coach Hassan RANGREZ was happy with the result of two gold medals, he was worried about his wrestlers competing at two demanding tournaments in less than 10 days.

"Ideally we should have won four gold medals," Rangrez said. "However, with the World Championships and Asian Games being so close together, it was difficult to prepare and it impacted our performances."

For Mirzazadeh's gold, Rangrez said that he was never in doubt

"He is the new king of super heavyweight," the coach said. "He wrestled very well."

Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB)Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) won the 97kg bronze, thus completing the set of medals at the Asian Games. (Photo: UWW / Sachiko Hotaka)

Assakalov, 39, completes medal set

Two-time World Championships medalist Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) completed the medal set as he won the bronze medal in the 97kg weight class. The 39-year-old pinned Islam UMAYEV (KAZ) in the bronze-medal bout after leading 7-0. Assakalov was the 85kg Asian Games champion at the 2014 edition in Icheon and won a silver in the 2018 Games in Jakarta. Assakalov had earlier lost to Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) 6-3 in the opening round bout.

"I have a full set of Asian games medals," Assakalov said. "Thank God for everything, thanks to my solid team"

Assakalov has been wrestling for over two decades now but the hope of winning an Olympic medal keeps him going. He has been to two Olympic Games -- 2016 and 2020 -- but finished eighth in both editions.

"The Olympic medal makes me keep doing this sport," he said. "I am 39 years old. I still work hard to make my dream come true. My children are my motivation. When I leave home, they say, dad, bring us the medal."

The other 97kg bronze medal went to Takahiro TSURUDA (JPN) as he defeated Seyeol LEE (KOR) 4-3. Tsuruda would be thanking his stars as he was trailing 3-1 till the last 11 seconds when Lee headbutted Tsuruda and the referees awarded two points to the Japanese.

Lee challenged the call and on review, the jury upheld the original decision and awarded another point to Tsuruda.

At 130kg, multiple-time Asian medalist Minseok KIM (KOR) and 2022 Asian champion Alimkhan SYZDYKOV (KAZ) won the bronze medals. Both won with an identical scoreline of 5-1.

Kim scored two turns from par terre to beat NAVEEN while Syzdykov managed to get the bronze by beating Aybegshazada KURRAYEV (TKM) 5-1.

RESULTS

97kg
GOLD: Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) df. Yiming LI (CHN), 5-1

BRONZE: Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) df. Islam UMAYEV (KAZ), via fall (7-0)
BRONZE: Takahiro TSURUDA (JPN) df. Seyeol LEE (KOR), 4-3

130kg
GOLD: Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) df. Lingzhe MENG (CHN), 1-1

BRONZE: KIM Minseok KIM (KOR) df. NAVEEN, 5-1
BRONZE: Alimkhan SYZDYKOV (KAZ) df. Aybegshazada KURRAYEV (TKM), 5-1

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Freestyle Preview

Monday, September 8, 2025 - 13:14 By Vinay Siwach

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ZAGREB, Croatia (September 6) -- For nearly a decade, the 97kg Freestyle wrestling division was defined by two names: Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) and Kyle SNYDER (USA). From 2015 to 2017, Snyder ruled the mat, winning Olympic and World titles.

Sadulaev then took over from 2018 to 2021, claiming every major gold. When Sadulaev missed the 2022 Worlds, Snyder reclaimed the top spot.

But in 2023, a new force emerged -- Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN). He stunned the wrestling world by beating both Snyder and Sadulaev in Belgrade, claiming the world title. In 2024, he repeated his feat in Paris, solidifying his status as the man to beat at 97kg.

Now, Tazhudinov enters Zagreb as the wrestler to beat, but he’ll face stiff competition from veterans looking for redemption and rivals who came close to beating him.

 

Snyder, who missed the podium in Paris, remains dangerous. He once pushed Sadulaev to the limit before the latter adjusted. Snyder also fell in Albania to Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), the current Asian champion. Yoshida, blends Iranian and Japanese techniques and has excellent underhook defense and is a serious medal contender.

Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO)Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) is a three-time European champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

European champion Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) is another name to watch. He won Olympic silver in Paris but was pinned quickly by Tazhudinov. Still, as the number two seed, he avoids Tazhudinov until the final and must contend with Snyder, Yoshida, and possibly Sadulaev on his side of the bracket.

Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI), seeded number five, came closest to beating Tazhudinov in Paris, leading 3-0 before surrendering two late takedowns to lose 4-3. Back from injury, his fitness will be key if the two meet again in Zagreb.

Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), Kazakhstan’s first freestyle world champion, also pushed Tazhudinov hard at the Asian Championships but couldn’t close the match. He’s a strong bet for the podium. Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) returns after a bronze in Paris and a silver at the 2023 World Championships, remains a serious threat in one of the deepest brackets in the championships.

Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN)Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) defeated Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) in the 65kg Olympic final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic final rematch on cards

Apart from Tazhudinov, Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) is the only other Freestyle Olympic champion in Zagreb. At 65kg, all four returning medalists from Paris are entered, though Islam DUDAEV (ALB) will wrestle at 70kg.

A repeat of the 2024 Olympic final is expected at 65kg, with Kiyooka and silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) on course to collide if seeding holds. Kiyooka has never wrestled at a World Championships and skipped the season after winning gold in Paris, but his resume includes wins over world-class opponents. He beat Tokyo Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) to earn Japan’s Paris spot, and then defeated Asian champion Kaisei TANABE (JPN) twice to make the team for Zagreb.

Amouzad will be his biggest threat, looking to avenge the Olympic final. Barring that loss, the Iranian has been a consistent force, using his under-over technique to catch opponents off guard. If he can limit Kiyooka's relentless attacks and keep the match low-scoring, he may have a chance.

European champion Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW), the world U23 champion, brings a full arsenal to challenge both Kiyooka and Amouzad. He could be the biggest disruptor in the bracket.

Sebastian RIVERA (PUR), an Olympic bronze and world silver medalist, could medal again despite not competing since Paris. Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) and SUJEET (IND) are also aiming for podium finishes.

Gold drought for Uguev

Beyond Kiyooka and Yoshida, other Japanese medal hopefuls include Asian champion Takara SUDA (JPN) at 61kg, world silver medalist Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) at 70kg, Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 74kg, and the Ishiguro brothers at 86kg and 92kg.

Suda will have big shoes to fill as his Yamanashi Gakuin University teammate Masanosuke ONO (JPN) rose to become the world champ last year. Suda faces an equally tough field with Zavur UGUEV (UWW), Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB), and UDIT (IND) among others.

Takara SUDA (JPN)Takara SUDA (JPN) is the Asian champion at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Uguev, Olympic and 2019 world champion, returned to form by winning the European title in April. He finished fifth last year after losses to Ono and Vitali ARAJAU (USA). Can he now stop Suda, the Ranking Series and Asian champion? Suda has found ways to win but struggles with conditioning.

Abakarov, a former world champion, will also be in the mix, having beaten Uguev in 2023. Other contenders include Asian silver medalist Udit, Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) -- back at 61kg -- and Jaxen FORREST (USA), who beat Arajau to claim the U.S. team spot.

Sidakov set to return

At 74kg, 2023 world champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW) has managed to recover just in time for the World Championships. He suffered an injury in his European Championships loss to Chermen VALIEV (ALB) and will likely go through the Albanian if he wants to defend his gold.

Also Read: Valiev opens up Olympics, his style

Valiev has had close encounters against Sidakov and the win at Europeans was his first over Sidakov. His strategy to keep a close score or defend a lead may not always play out well. But his defensive skills are top notch, and he doesn't let anyone score easily.

Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) and David CARR (USA) are two youngsters who can surprise a few. Both have lethal attacks and can move quickly. Takahashi won the clash in Budapest but Carr nearly pulled off a comeback against a tiring Takahashi.

World silver medalist Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) would like to return to the podium, while Yones EMAMI (IRI) and veteran Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) remain strong contenders.

Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ)Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ), blue, and Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) wrestled in the 70kg final at 2024 World Championships. Kaipanov won gold. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Top-seeded Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) and world champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) will go for the 70kg title. Kaipanov defeated Aoyagi in last year’s final to win gold. Aoyagi seemed in form with a win at the Budapest Ranking Series but will be challenged in Zagreb.

Kaipanov won 74kg gold at the Asian Championships but is now back at 70kg to defend his world title. While Aoyagi is a key challenger, others may break Kaipanov’s defensive wall.

Former world silver medalist Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) will be the biggest threat as he hunts for his first world title. His attacking style troubles many, though his conditioning is still a work in progress. The field is deeper with Asian champion Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), who entertains with crafty moves, though that can be his undoing.

Viktor RASSADIN (TJK), a Paris Olympian and second to Akmataliev in Asia, is also a medal threat. Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) will be at 70kg. Saiyn KAZYRYK (UWW) can make a run to the final but will be tested on the international level.

PJ DUKE (USA), coming off a world U20 gold, and world medalist Arman ANDREASYAN (ARM), will look to add to their success.

Spencer LEE (USA)Olympic silver medalist Spencer LEE (USA) is chasing his first world title at 57kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Lee chases world gold

In other weight classes, Spencer LEE (USA) will be looking to win a world medal. A United States wrestler winning the gold medal in the lowest weight category is a rare occurrence. Thomas GILMAN (USA) won gold in 2021 and silver in 2022; however, the country drew a blank in 2023.

Now, Paris Olympic silver medalist Lee is primed to win gold at 57kg in Zagreb. This will be his first World Championships, but he is the favorite to claim the title. It is unlikely he will face much trouble, but if he does, it will likely come from 2023 world bronze medalist Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) and Paris bronze medalists AMAN (IND) and Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB).

The field is further intensified by Asian champion Chong Song HAN (PRK), European silver medalist Azamat TUSKAEV (SRB), and Iran’s Ali MOMENI (IRI).

At 79kg, Akhmed USMANOV (UWW), world champion in 2023, should have no trouble winning his second title despite familiar foes like Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) and Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI).

Usmanov defeated both en route to his 2023 gold and has since won the European Championships in 2024 and 2025. In the final in Slovakia, Usmanov overcame veteran Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA).

Khadjiev remains a podium contender but recently suffered a close loss to Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) in Budapest, making the Greek wrestler a real medal threat. Also not to be counted out is Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), who has consistently been competitive at the World Championships.

New dawn at 86kg
The 86kg category will see a big shift in Zagreb. Since 2017, Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) and David TAYLOR (USA) have shared the gold medals at Worlds. However, that near-decade-long reign is ending. Taylor has retired, and Yazdani has moved up a weight class, skipping this year.

So who will be champion in Zagreb? Two-time world champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI), second to Yazdani at 86kg, will be the favorite. He was competing at 92kg and was close to a third world title before losing heartbreakingly in the semifinals to Sadulaev.

Also Read: "I was destroyed" - Ghasempour on Sadulaev loss

Now back at the Olympic weight class, Ghasempour aims to deliver his best performance in Zagreb. He is unseeded, which means he can be drawn anywhere in the bracket.

The weight class is packed with talent. European silver medalist Mahamedkhabib KADZIMAHAMEDAU (UWW) is thriving at 86kg and nearly won gold at the European Championships. Former world U20 champion Ibragim KADIEV (UWW) is another strong contender despite limited top-level international experience.

Zahid VALENCIA (USA) has improved significantly over the past year and is a potential podium finisher with his attacking pace. Arsenii DZHIOEV (AZE) and Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) are dark horses who could surprise in this competitive field.

PodiumAll four 2025 European Championships medalist Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE), left, Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), second from left, Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), third from left, and Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) are medal threats in Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Two-time world silver medalists Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) and Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), European champion Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), Asian champion Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI), and former world silver medalists Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK) and Deepak PUNIA (IND) make the 92kg category one of the toughest in Zagreb.

Though he lacks a World Championships medal, Trent HIDLAY (USA) is a top gold-medal contender after winning gold in Budapest. He is currently one of the strongest wrestlers globally.

Firouzpour, moving into the spotlight after Ghasempour’s shift down a weight class, enters Zagreb as a favorite. Though new to Worlds, his Iranian style with underhook pushouts and takedowns makes him a serious threat.

Nurmagomedov and Kurugliev battled at the European Championships and Budapest, with Kurugliev prevailing both times. Maisuradze remains a strong competitor despite a recent dip in form.

At 125kg, Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) stands head and shoulders above the rest, though European champion Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE), Solomon MANASHVILI (GEO), Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL), and Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) aim to challenge him.