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Live Blog: Yasar Dogu, Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Ranking Series Day 4

Sunday, February 27, 2022 - 07:26 By United World Wrestling Press

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ISTANBUL, Turkey (February 27) -- The final day of the Yasar Dogu, Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Ranking Series is here. After the Greco-Roman and Women's Freestyle, the men's freestyle will round off the tournament.

Eight weight classes will be in action with five-time world champion Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) highlighting the field. He wrestles at 79kg. Olympic silver medalist Ravi KUMAR (IND) wrestles at 61kg. U23 world champion Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), world champion Zagir SHAKHIEV (RWF), Tokyo bronze Bekzod ABDURAKHAMANOV (UZB) are the other names to keep an eye on.

MATCH ORDER | LIVE STREAM

1814: Ravi KUMAR (IND) works Mohammad YAKHKESHI (IRI) so much that he gives up a pin. The Tokyo silver medalist is moving on into the final at 61kg

1810: Almaz SMANBEKO (KGZ) humbles Muhammet KARAVUS (TUR) in front of some loud Kyrgyzstan fans. Big 11-0 win inside two minutes in that 57kg semifinal  

1755: James GREEN (USA) waited for the final 30 seconds to score a takedown and take out Viktor RASSADIN (RWF) in the 70kg semifinal

1730: The 74kg semifinal are set

Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) vs Mohmmad FIROUZPOUR (IRI) 
Pritam PRITAM (IND) vs Fazli ERYILMAZ (TUR) 

1715: Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) was put on the activity clock in the final minute with a score of 1-1 against Ali Bakhtiar SAVADKOUHI (IRI). But a clear singlet grab from Savadkouhi gives the point to Burroughs and the win at 2-1

1625: Bekzod ABDURAKHAMANOV (UZB), debuting at 86kg, began with a win and is now wrestling in the quarterfinals against Tarzan MAISURADZE (GEO). It was 2-1 for the Uzbek wrestler before he scores a takedown on the edge to lead 4-1. A stepout to extend the lead. It's 7-1. Another stepout and he wins 8-1.

1610: Suleyman ATLI (TUR) had it covered with a 5-3 lead and needed to defend 10 seconds. But Mohammad Esmaeil YAKHKESHI (IRI) throws him for four points with 5 seconds remaining and secures the win

1600: The semifinals for the 92kg weight class are set

Elkhan ASSADOV (KAZ) vs. Ahmad Yousef BAZRIGHALEH (IRI)
Erhan YAYLACI (TUR) vs. Guram CHERTKOEV (RWF) 

1545: Viktor RASSDIN (RWF) takes out Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ). After building an 8-0 lead, Rassadin defended all the attacks and hangs on for a 12-7 win.

1445: Are you excited for these 65kg quarterfinals?

Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ) vs Ahmet TAS (TUR)
Suleyman ATLI (TUR) vs Mohammad YAKHKESHI (IRI)
Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) vs Akbar KURBANOV (KAZ) 
Nicholas MEGALUDIS (USA) vs Ravi KUMAR (IND) 

1415: Gulamjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) sneaks one out at the end. He beats Islam BAZARGANOV (AZE) 3-2.

1345: The crowd here has is on its feet. Ahmet TAS (TUR) gets two body locks to four points and beats Ramiz GAMZATOV (RWF) 11-0. Just a stunning show of power

1330: Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) with some more double-leg attacks and Zhiger ZAKIROV (KAZ) has no answers to them. The USA wrestler wins 10-0 

1315: Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) has a tendency to give up early points but then rallies to come back in those bouts. In a similar fashion, he beats Anthony ASHNAULT (USA) 10-3 

1300: Jordan OLIVER (USA) was in the lead but Aliakbar FAZLIKHALILI (IRI) scored two takedowns and moves on with a 4-2 win at 70kg

1235: Zagir SHAKHIEV (RWF) wins 11-0. But don't move away from Mat C. We have Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) coming up followed by Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL)

1225: Joey MCKENNA (USA) now has two big wins to start off. He won his first bout 10-0 and now beats Evan HENDERSON (USA) 16-9 at 65kg.

1200: Junior Asian champion Mohmmad FIROUZPOUR (IRI) with a good start. A technical superiority win over Abdullah J M Th A ABDALKAREEM (KUW).

1145: Tokyo silver medalist Ravi KUMAR (IND) uses his outside single to great effect and scores a 7-0 win over compatriot Mangal KADYAN (IND) at 61kg.

1130: Russian champion Ramiz GAMZATOV (RWF) got a tough challenge from Daniel DESHAZER (USA) but comes out on top 5-1. Great technical wrestling from him 

1115: Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) got some double-legs, some stepouts and he a win at 79kg. He moves on to the quarterfinals.

1105: Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) has nerves of steel. He was trailing 3-4 with 10 seconds remaining and pulls out a huge takedown at the edge to win 5-3 at 70kg

1050: Cadet world champion Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) with a good win over Ali RAHIMZADE (AZE) 10-0. It will be interesting how far Jalolov can go in the tournament at 65kg

1040: Welcome to the final day of the #WrestleIstanbul event. Kicking off proceeding on Mat B is the world champion Zagir Shakhiev (RWF) and Adil OSPANOV (KAZ). Shakhiev with a quick leg lace and leads 6-0. Ospanov with a two and two to make it 4-8. But Shakhiev has bounced back nicely to win 15-5

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Turkiye hosts More Than Medals camp following U17 World Championships

Monday, September 11, 2023 - 19:33 By United World Wrestling Press

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ISTANBUL, Turkiye (September 11) --- The More than Medals World 2023 was held in Istanbul, Turkiye from August 7th to 12th, 2023. Organized by the United World Wrestling Development Department and the Turkish Wrestling Federation, the program aimed to enhance the skills of young wrestlers from developing countries. To achieve this, the program provided the participants with top coaches and experts from around the world, who shared their knowledge and experience with them.

The program was a great success, with nearly 60 participants from 17 countries across Asia, America, Europe, and Africa attending. The participants included both athletes and coaches who stayed after the U17 World Championships with the goal of improving their skills and knowledge. During the program, they had the opportunity to attend training sessions where they learned new techniques and strategies. Additionally, an anti-doping workshop was held for the participants. This program demonstrates the power of sports to unite people and foster friendship and understanding among nations.

The participants were accommodated in the Pullman Istanbul Hotel & Convention Center, located in Yenibosna Merkez Mahallesi, Bahcelievler, Istanbul, Turkiye. All training sessions and activities were also held in this hotel. The UWW development team, led by Yuri MAIER (ARG) and Vincent AKA (FRA/CIV), was responsible for the project. Their extensive experience in organizing these types of events over the years made the process very smooth.

TURVincent AKA leads a training session at the 2023 More Than Medals camp in Istanbul. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Vincent AKA was in charge of the organization of the training sessions. The coaches from the different nations present were invited to conduct their own training sessions, providing athletes with a diverse range of training styles and techniques to learn from. This not only allowed for a more comprehensive learning experience but also fostered a sense of unity and cross-cultural exchange among the participants. The training sessions were a great opportunity for these young athletes to expand their knowledge and skills and to form lasting connections with individuals from different parts of the world.

During the Istanbul city tour, athletes enjoyed a ferry ride that showcased the beautiful surroundings and explored the Asian side of Istanbul, the Golden Horn, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet. They also visited the impressive Hagia Sophia, which taught them about its rich history and cultural significance. Overall, the city tour provided a unique insight into Istanbul's culture and past.

The success of this program was partly due to the good relationship and affinity with the local federation. The Turkish Wrestling Federation was very collaborative and provided everything needed to have a great event. All the participants were satisfied with the development of the activities.

Year after year, More Than Medals continues to prove that it is an excellent resource for young wrestlers from developing countries. The program not only provides them with top coaching and training opportunities, but it also promotes cross-cultural exchange and understanding among nations. The success of the More than Medals World 2023 program is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and promote friendship and understanding across borders.