#WrestleTokyo

Lopez Joins Icho as 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist; Fumita, Gray Fall

Monday, August 2, 2021 - 15:12 By Ken Marantz

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CHIBA, Japan (August 2) --- Mijain LOPEZ (CUB) joined the most elite club in world wrestling when the Cuban giant became just the second wrestler in history to win a fourth Olympic gold medal.

Lopez had little trouble forging a 5-0 victory over Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO) in the Greco-Roman 130kg final Monday night to join Kaori ICHO (JPN) as the only wrestlers with a quartet of Olympic gold medals.

Such legends as Alexander KARELIN (RUS) and Saori YOSHIDA (JPN) both came close, but both fell at the final hurdle, ending their careers with three Olympic golds and a silver. But the 38-year-old Lopez wasn't to be denied on the first night of finals at the Tokyo Olympics.

 

It was a good night all around for Cuba at Makuhari Messe Hall A, as Luis ORTA SANCHEZ (CUB) won the first gold on offer when he stunned world champion and local favorite Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) 5-1 in the Greco 60kg final.

The final match of the night provided another surprise courtesy of Aline ROTTER-FOCKEN (GER), who will exit the sport as Olympic champion with a well-earned 7-3 victory in the women's 76kg final that denied five-time world champion Adeline GRAY (USA) an elusive Olympic gold.

But the night belonged to Lopez, who had wrestled sparingly after his triumph five years at Rio 2016 before deciding to try for an historic fourth gold in five Olympic appearances.

He all but put the matter out of doubt in the first period, when in his first chance in the par terre position, he rolled Kajaia for a 3-0 lead. In the second period, he sandwiched a pair of stepouts around a passivity point, for which he opted to stay standing instead of going to par terre.

Lopez started his celebrations with 10 seconds to go, waving his fingers in the air and swaying his arms as Kajaia, a 2019 world bronze medalist, just looked on, knowing the battle was over.

Mijain LOPEZ GR 130kgMijain LOPEZ (CUB) with his gold medal. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Lopez and Icho are among just six athletes who have won four gold medals in the same event in Olympic history, joining athletics stars Al OERTER (USA) and Carl LEWIS (USA), swimmer Michael PHELPS (USA) and sailing's Paul ELVSTROM (DEN).

"It's incredible. I have sacrificed 20 years and I deserve the gold medals and I have achieved that with the help of my coaches," said Lopez, whose medal collection includes five world golds, the last of which came in 2014, and three silvers.

"I will enjoy the gold but any athlete in the world would enjoy it like me. I would like to tell wrestlers that they can reach their goals if they can work hard for it."

Lopez's last loss came at the 2015 World Championships to Riza KAYAALP (TUR), the reigning world champion whom he defeated in the semifinals on Sunday.

The question now is, will there be a try for a fifth?

"All of the wrestlers have asked me to stay and of course I am thinking about it," said Lopez, who will turn 39 on August 20. "I want to enjoy this and I will tell at the end of this year whether I will wrestle or not. It's obvious that it's incredible to win four medals. I am going to enjoy it."

Luis ORTA SANCHEZ (CUB)Luis ORTA SANCHEZ (CUB) won the 60kg gold medal in Tokyo. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

In the 60kg final, Orta Sanchez effectively neutralized Fumita's attack, while getting the points from par terre that often make the difference in Greco to win his first major title.

It marks the second straight Olympics that a Cuban defeated a Japanese in the Olympic final of the lightest Greco weight class. At Rio 2016, Ismael BORRERO MOLINA (CUB) defeated Shinobu OTA (JPN) for the 59kg gold. Borrero Molina will be going for a second straight gold at 67kg.

"There was pressure on me to defend the gold of Borrero," Orta Sanchez said. "All I thought after winning the gold was about my new-born daughter. Participating in the Olympics was my dream. I wanted to do this for my wife and daughter."

For Fumita, the loss was devastating. Ever since Tokyo was awarded the Olympics, his dream was to win a gold there. Through all the uncertainty and one-year postponement, he was grateful that the Games ended up being held after all.

"All the people who helped in the organization in getting these Games to go on, and the people who supported me watching on TV, I am so grateful," Fumita said in tears in an interview with Japanese TV.

"My goal was always to get onto this stage. People will have their opinion on having it under these conditions, and I wanted to repay the organizers and volunteers who believed more than the athletes with a victory. But it ended with this shameful result, and I apologize."

Fumita has had a target on his back since winning his first world title in 2017 and repeating as world champion in 2019, and Otra Sanchez obviously did his homework, never giving the Japanese a chance to set up his trademark throws.

"I knew that they had studied my wrestling, that I still couldn't overcome that was due to my lack of ability," Fumita said.

Aline ROTTER FOCKEN (GER) Aline ROTTER-FOCKEN (GER) won the gold at 76kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

The 30-year-old Rotter Focken, a four-time world medalist who won her lone world title in 2014, had said before the final that this, her second Olympics, would be the final tournament of her career. What a way to go out.

Rotter Focken scored the bulk of her points with counters against Gray, who was looking for redemption after leaving Rio 2016 without a medal, although she was suffering from a shoulder injury at the time.

After gaining an activity clock point, Rotter Focken stopped a Gray single-leg attempt in which the American seemed to lose her balance, pushing her onto her back for a 3-0 lead.

In the second period, Gray came in high on a double-leg tackle and Rotter Focken unleashed a wicked whizzer that sent Gray flipping onto her back for a 4-point move. Gray fought desperately at the end, gaining a stepout and takedown, but time ran out on her Olympic dream.

"I will retire," Rotter Focken said. "I had always thought that if I become Olympic champion, I want to retire because I don't want to lose anymore."

The German said that winning the gold in Tokyo made it special, even though there were no spectators in the stands due to a recent surge in infections in Japan.

"Japan is not only the country where women's wrestling is popular, but sports is popular," Rotter Focken said. "I was looking for a full stadium but everything changed because of the pandemic, but the Olympic spirit is still there. People in Japan are enthusiastic about sports. It was incredible event even without the spectators."

130kg podiumThe four medalists at 130kg GR weight class. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Meanwhile, the the Russian Olympic Committee, China and Turkey split up the bronze medals on offer by winning two each.

Former world champion Yasemin ADAR (TUR) gave Turkey its first-ever women's Olympic medal while denying Kyrgyzstan its first by locking up Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) for a fall in 1:24 at 76kg.

"I am thrilled that I won the first medal for women’s wrestling for Turkey," Adar said. "I am very excited to be achieving a first, very honored to be representing my country and it just means so much more nowadays because my country is having a very difficult time with wildfires. The pain is burning inside me.

"I am not able to describe my emotions, but I hope from the bottom of my heart that my medal gives my people a glimpse of hope and joy in these difficult times."

The other bronze-medal match at 76kg also ended in a fall, with 2018 Asian champion Qian ZHOU (CHN) decking rival Hiroe MINAGAWA (JPN) in 2:30, avenging a loss to the Japanese in the 2019 world quarterfinals.

At Greco 60kg, 2019 world silver medalist Sergey EMELIN (ROC) started his bronze-medal playoff against Victor CIOBANU (MDA) with a 4-point throw, then ended it with another to cap a 12-1 technical fall in 3:53.

Sailike WALIHAN (CHN) added the Olympic bronze to his one from the 2018 worlds when he chalked up a 1-1 victory over Lenur TEMIROV (UKR) in which both points were awarded for passivity.

At 130kg, Riza KAYAALP (TUR) bounced back from his disappointing loss to Lopez by scoring six points off gut wrenches en route to a 7-2 victory over Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI).

Yasmani ACOSTA (CHI), just the second Chilean wrestler to ever appear in the Olympics, came up just short of taking home a medal when he lost to Sergei SEMENOV (ROC) 1-1 after a trade of passivity points.

Nigeria assured of 1st-ever Olympic wrestling medal

Blessing OBORUDUDUBlessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) reached the 68kg finals Monday. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Four years ago, Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) was thrilled to see her "little sister" Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR) become Nigeria's first-ever finalist at a World Championships.

On Monday, she secured her own place in the nation's history by being the first to make an Olympic final -- which also makes her the African country's first Olympic wrestling medalist.

Oborududu defeated Battsetseg SORONZONBOLD (MGL) 7-2 in the semifinals of the women's 68kg class, earning a place in Tuesday's final against world champion Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA).

"I feel so excited to get into the final of the Olympics," said Oborududu, who is competing at her third Olympics and has never placed higher than fifth in six trips to the World Championships. "It's not easy."

Oborududu scored all of her points in a whirlwind first period against the veteran Soronzonbold, a 2019 world bronze medalist who won a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics and was a world champion in 2010.

"I know she has been a world champion," Oborodudu said. "I lost to her in 2016, in the first round of the Olympics. When I knew I would meet her in the semifinal, I said to myself, 'This is your time. Go all out and wrestle. So that is what I did."

Asked about her historic clinching of a medal, she replied, "We have been working for the past two Olympics. We were not able to get any medal, but we keep working. We knew that one day we will get it."

Oborodudu said that Adekuoroye's success laid the foundation for Nigeria to further strengthen its program.

"We are like sisters on the team," she said. "She is like a younger sister to me. Seeing her do well at the World Championships inspired us to push harder."

Tamyra Mensah StockTamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) reached her first Olympic final. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Mensah Stock, who had been a one-woman wrecking crew leading up to the semifinals, was pushed hard in her final-four clash with 2018 world champion Alla CHERKASOVA (UKR).

Stock Mensah fell behind 2-4 in the second period, but bounced back to post a a 10-4 win and advance to the final.

"I'm so excited that I'm getting better, that I'm able to inflict my will," Stock Mensah said. "It's a dream come true."

Musa EVLOEVMusa EVLOEV (ROC) made it to the final at 97kg. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

At Greco 97kg, world champion Musa EVLOEV (ROC) and Rio 2016 gold medalist Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) set up the latest clash between the two in a global final, but how ready the latter will be for battle remains to be seen.

Aleksanyan appeared to strain his left hamstring trying to lift Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) from the par terre as he trailed 1-1 on criteria. At the same time, the Iranian was assessed a two-point penalty for grabbing a leg, then lost a challenge of the call to give the Armenian a 4-1 victory.

Aleksanyan left the arena without commenting on his condition nor the impending rematch of his loss to Evloev in the final at the 2019 World Championships.

Evloev was rock solid in posting a 7-1 victory in the other semifinal over Tadeusz MICHALIK (POL), scoring with two rolls from par terre in the first period.

Artur ALEKSANYANArtur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) reached his second straight Olympic final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

ROC coach Gogi KOGUASHVILI said that only the result of the match mattered, not the content.

"Our tactics for the semifinals was to win whatever it takes," he said. "We weren't trying to make it look spectacular or something like that, the goal was to just win and qualify for the final."

The other world champion in action, Tamas LORINCZ (HUN), had his hands full in holding off two-time world bronze medalist Mohammadali GERAEI (IRI) for a 6-5 win in a 77kg semifinal clash between wrestlers who both have brothers in the Olympics.

Lorincz, looking to add to the silver medal he won at London 2012 in his fourth Olympic appearance, became the latest recipient of what would prove to be the winning point by an unsuccessful challenge.

Tamas LORINCZ (HUN)Tamas LORINCZ (HUN) will wrestle for gold at 77kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Lorincz went ahead 3-1 in the second period with a front lift, then was awarded two points for a leg penalty. The Iranians challenged the call, but it was rejected to give the Hungarian a five-point lead.

That was exactly what he needed when Geraei executed a pair of acrobatic lifts for two points each. But it was too little, too late.

In the final, Lorincz will face Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ), who put himself into position to become his country's first-ever Olympic gold medalist in any sport when he defeated Karapet CHALYAN (ARM) 6-2.

The big move for 2018 Asian champion Makhmudov, who missed all of 2019 after undergoing knee surgery following an injury suffered while playing football, came in the first period, when Chalyan had him in the air, cocked and ready to throw. But Makhmudov resisted and it was the Armenian who landed on his back, a 4-point move for Makhmudov.

Akzhol MAKHMUDOVAkzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) stormed into the 77kg final in Tokyo. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

DAY 2 RESULTS

Greco-Roman

60kg
GOLD - Luis ORTA SANCHEZ (CUB) df. Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN), 5-1

BRONZE - Sailike WALIHAN (CHN) df. Lenur TEMIROV (UKR), 1-1
BRONZE - Sergey EMELIN (ROC) df. Victor CIOBANU (MDA) by TF, 12-1, 3:53

77kg
SF1 - Tamas LORINCZ (HUN) df. Mohammadali GERAEI (IRI), 6-5
SF2 - Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) df. Karapet CHALYAN (ARM), 6-2

97kg
SF1 - Musa EVLOEV (ROC) df. Tadeusz MICHALIK (POL), 7-1
SF2 - Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM) df. Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI), 4-1

130kg
GOLD: Mijain LOPEZ (CUB) df. Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO), 5-0

BRONZE - Riza KAYAALP (TUR) df. Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI), 7-2
BRONZE - Sergei SEMENOV (ROC) df. Yasmani ACOSTA (CHI), 1-1

Women's Wrestling

68kg
SF1 - Tamyra STOCK MENSAH (USA) df. Alla CHERKASOVA (UKR), 10-4
SF2 - Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) df. Battsetseg SORONZONBOLD (MGL), 7-2

76kg
GOLD - Aline ROTTER-FOCKEN (GER) df. Adeline GRAY (USA), 7-3

BRONZE - Yasemin ADAR (TUR) df. Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) by Fall, 1:24 (4-0)
BRONZE - Qian ZHOU (CHN) df. Hiroe MINAGAWA (JPN) by Fall, 2:30 (2-0)

#WrestleSamokov

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 Preview

Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 08:11 By Vinay Siwach

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SAMOKOV, Bulgaria (August 13) -- A quick stat: Of the 30 gold medalists from last year's World U20 Championships, 13 will compete at the senior World Championships in Zagreb, a testament to the event's importance. This year's competition in Samokov, Bulgaria, from August 17 to 24, will undoubtedly introduce the next generation of wrestling stars.

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The eight-day event will feature 650 wrestlers: 233 in Freestyle, 231 in Greco-Roman, and 186 in Women's Wrestling. A significant number, 186 wrestlers, are returning from last year's competition. In Freestyle, 11 medalists are back, including one champion. Greco-Roman has 10 returning medalists, with three champions, while Women's Wrestling boasts 17 returning medalists and three defending champions.

Marcus BLAZE (USA)Marcus BLAZE (USA) is a returning bronze medalist at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

FREESTYLE

Last year, the United States had an incredible run, with nine of its 10 wrestlers winning a medal. This year, the U.S. is aiming to defend its team title for the first time. The team includes four returning medalists: Marcus BLAZE (61kg), PJ DUKE (70kg), Ladrion LOCKETT (74kg), and Justin RADEMACHER (97kg).

Iran will likely be its main challenger, looking to reclaim the team title they last won in 2023. However, the U.S. team is motivated, particularly after it recently stunned Iran to defend its team title at the U17 Worlds. Other major challengers include Georgia, Azerbaijan, India, and UWW wrestlers, many of whom are continental champions.

One of the returning medalists and a strong favorite for gold is Marcus BLAZE (USA). His only loss last year was to Masanosuke ONO (JPN), and he's now looking to add a world U20 title to his U17 one.

He won't be without competition, however. Ahora KHATERI (IRI), a 2023 world U17 champ, is also looking to add a U20 gold to his resume in his first event. Khateri wrestled at the Zagreb Open this year and finished fifth. The field is further bolstered by European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM), silver medalist Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), Asian U20 champion Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) and Allan ORALBEK (KAZ).

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA)Ladrion LOCKETT (USA) will look to upgrade his silver to gold at 74kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA), a silver medalist last year, is a strong contender for gold. His aggressive style and high pace will be key against opponents who often can't handle his intensity. His biggest challenge will come from European U23 champion Ismail Khaniev (UWW), European U20 champion Manuel Wagin (GER), and returning bronze medalist Aghanazar Novruzov (AZE).

Lockett defeated Novruzov in the semifinals last year, but the latter recently added a senior European bronze to his resume and could cause an upset. The field also includes Asian U20 champion Mahdi Mamivand (IRI) and European U20 silver Raul Caso (ITA), who will be at his fourth U20 Worlds.

PJ DUKE (USA), who earned a spot on the U.S. senior team for Zagreb, is now looking to upgrade his bronze medal to gold this year. Wrestling at 70kg, Duke has been in phenomenal form, memorably pinning Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) to make the senior team. A classic U.S.-Iran battle is expected in this weight class, as he'll face 2022 world U17 champion Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI), who recently won the Asian U20 gold medal. Elahi was also at the Zagreb Open but finished fifth.

While some weight classes feature clear favorites, others are wide open. The competition at 79kg is a prime example. The only returning champion is Alp Arsalan BEGENJOV (TKM), who made history as Turkmenistan's first-ever world U20 champion. However, he's had mixed results since then, including a loss to CHANDERMOHAN (IND) and a pin by AMIT (IND).

This opens the door for a host of contenders. Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI), who lost his first bout to Begenjov last year, has since had a phenomenal run, winning a senior Asia gold, a world U23 title, and a silver at the Zagreb Open.

Leandro ARAUJO (BRA) is also looking to change the color of his medal. Araujo won bronze last year and silver at the Pan-Am U20 Championships. He'll be challenged by the wrestler who beat him in that final, William HENCKEL (USA), a potential gold medalist himself. Also in the mix are European U20 champ Davit TCHETCHELASHVILI (GEO), silver medalist Muradkhan OMAROV (AZE) and returning fifth-placers Said SAIDULOV (UWW) and Amit.

Another Iran wrestler who has improved significantly is Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI). After winning bronze last year, he's gone on to secure gold medals at senior and U20 Asians. While not a clear favorite, a gold medal in Samokov is definitely within his reach. European U20 champion Dachi PAPINASHVILI (GEO) and silver medalist Ahmet YAGAN (TUR), a returning bronze medalist himself, will be among those hoping to deny Rahmani.

European U20 champion Konstantine PETRIASHVILI (GEO), the younger brother of Olympic champion Geno, will be looking to add another world title to his name.
Having finished eighth last year, Petriashvili will be keen on finishing on the podium this year at 97kg. But he'll face a stiff challenge from Erfan ALIZADEH (IRI), the U20 Asian champ. Alizadeh's experience on the senior circuit, where he earned a silver at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, could be key to navigating Petriashvili's attacks. Also in the mix is Justin RADEMACHER (USA), a returning bronze medalist who is determined to claim the gold he missed last year.

Both Ashab DADAEV (FRA) and Magomedgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (UWW) lost to Petriashvili at the European U20s in close bouts. They will look to change the result they end up meeting the Georgian in Samokov.

Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ)Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) is a returning bronze medalist at 92kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 92kg, returning bronze medalists Anar JAFARLI (AZE) and Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) are ready to compete. Kurugliyev, a 2023 world U20 champ at 97kg and a 2022 world U17 champion, has moved down a weight class. While Jafarli lacks Kurugliyev's resume, he is a gold medal threat, having defeated the returning Connor MIRASOLA (USA) for bronze last year.

European U20 and U23 silver medalist Musza ARSUNKAEV (HUN) is also a factor, capable of upsets with a strong record that includes a 2022 world U17 silver medal. He recently finished fifth at the Budapest Ranking Series.

The 125kg class is set to be a battle of redemption and first-time glory. Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE), a former world U17 champion, is determined to claim a U20 title after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year, a goal bolstered by his recent European U20 silver.

His path to gold could be blocked by Inal GAGLOEV (UWW), the European U20 gold medalist who is stepping onto the world stage for the first time. The competition also features Pan-Am U20 champion Cole MIRASOLA (USA) and Asian U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ). For Kassimbek, the stakes are high; he has lost two U17 world finals, including one to Dursunov, and is now hungry for his first major gold.

Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW)Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW) is the favorite to win gold at 65kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

The 65kg weight class has a strong favorite: Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW). He won both the European U20 and U23 Championships with seemingly little trouble.

Yet, there will be challenges at the world level, which include European U20 silver medalist Viktor BOROHAN (UKR) and former Euro U20 champ Abdullah TOPRAK (TUR). Both of them have already suffered a defeat to Dzhandubaev but can step up on the day. The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Luke STANICH (USA), Aliasghar TATHASHTIKEH (IRI), who is making his international debut, and Omurbek ASAN UULU (KGZ), a 2024 world U17 champ who won bronze at the Asian U20s.

Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE)Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) is a two-time former world U17 champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Can former world U17 champion Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) add a U20 title? The European U20 champion’s path to gold won't be easy, as he'll face Nika ZANGALADZE (GEO), the only wrestler to truly test him in Italy. The U.S. is pinning its hopes on Anthony KNOX (USA), who is making his international debut.

Meanwhile, Iran has a strong contender in Arshia HADDADI (IRI), a bronze medalist at both the Asian U20 and 2022 World U17 Championships. Also challenging for gold is Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), who has been training in the U.S. at Oklahoma State University.

 Sakura ONISHI (JPN)Sakura ONISHI (JPN) is a senior Asian champion at 59kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

The statistic about in the first paragraph of this preview primarily highlights the strength of Women's Wrestling as seven champions from last year will be at the senior World Championships later in September.

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) and Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) will represent Japan and the Zhang twins, Yu and Jin, will challenge for China. Christelle RODRIGUEZ (USA), Iryna BONDAR (UKR) and Jyoti BERWAL (IND), all gold medalists from Pontevedra, will also be in Zagreb.

Now back in Samokov, both Uchida and Onishi will be wrestling for their second straight world U20 gold medal at 57kg and 59kg respectively.

Since her 2024 title, Onishi has won gold medals at Asian Championships and Muhamet Malo Ranking Series. She is also a world U17 champ and silver medalist from 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Onishi will have her hands full with Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), who is undefeated this year with European U20, U23 and Zagreb Open golds under her belt. NEHA (IND), a 57kg bronze medalist from last year, moves up to 59kg, bringing with her a recent silver from the Budapest Ranking Series and gold from the Mongolia Open. Marta HETMANAVA (UWW) and Aubre KRAZER (USA) are also strong contenders for a podium finish.

Unlike her teammate Onishi, Uchida is coming into the competition with a spotless international record. She would like to like that record and it seems that little will trouble her in Samokov.

Some formidable wrestlers include Pan-Am U20 champion Agnia KRAKOVSKA (CAN), Asian U20 champion TAPSYA (IND), European U20 champion Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR), and silver medalist Tindra DALMYR (SWE). A later dropout due to injury was Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), a senior European medalist and former world U20 champion. 

Apart from these two, Japan's line-up includes 2022 world U20 champ Ayano MORO (JPN) at 76kg, 2023 world U17 champs Rinka OGAWA (JPN) at 50kg and Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) at 53kg, So TSUTSUI (JPN) was a 57kg silver medalist at the 2024 world U17 championships, 2023 world and Asia champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) at 68kg and 2024 Asian U20 champ at 65kg Momoko KITADE (JPN).

At 76kg, the favorite to win gold is Ayano MORO (JPN), the 2022 world U20 champion. This weight class promises to be one of the most hotly contested, as Moro will renew her rivalry with PRIYA (IND), who she had defeated to win the title in 2022. The Indian wrestler, who won the U20 title in 2023, recently won silver at the Budapest Ranking Series and gold at Asian U23s and is a two-time world U17 champion.

The division is further stacked with returning bronze medalists Naomi SIMON (USA) and Elmira YASIN (TUR), as well as European U20 champion Nadiia SOKOLOVSKA (UKR) and silver medalist Diana TITOVA (UWW).

Audrey JIMENEZ (USA)Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) is a two-time world U20 silver medalist. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ogawa will have her task cut out at 50kg as two-time world U20 silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA), who is hungry to finally claim a gold medal after two losses in the finals. Jimenez's impressive resume also includes a senior Pan-Am title and 2023 World U23 silver medal. Na HU (CHN), a 2024 world U17 champion, will aim to keep the 50kg title with China, following Yu ZHANG's (CHN) victory last year.

For Masuda at 53kg, the challenge may be tougher. Her weight class includes European U20 bronze medalist Sevval CAYIR (TUR), Asian U20 champ SAARIKA (IND), European U20 champ Anastasiia POLSKA (UKR) and European U20 champ at 50kg Kseniya KOSTSENICH (UWW).

In the highly competitive 55kg weight class, several talented wrestlers are vying for the top spot. Leading the charge is returning silver medalist Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL), who brings a wealth of experience from her training in Japan.

She will face stiff competition from returning bronze medalist and European U23 champion Tuba DEMIR (TUR), Asian U20 and U23 champion REENA (IND), who also secured World U23 and U20 bronze medals in 2023, European U20 champion Gerda TEREK (HUN) and the 2024 Pan-Am U20 champion Everest LEYDECKER (USA). 

With such a deep pool of talented wrestlers, So TSUTSUI (JPN) will face a challenging path to the gold medal, especially against rivals like Byambasuren.

Hoshino, the 2023 world U20 champion, is one of the favorites at 68kg. She is in a deep field with Ayse ERKAN (TUR), a returning silver medalist and European U20 bronze winner and Oleksandra RYBAK (UKR), a strong contender with European U23 bronze and 2024 World U17 silver medals.

The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Eduarda BATISTA (BRA), returning bronze medalist SRISHTI (IND), and Asian U20 champion Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ). A new face, 2025 world U17 champion Wenjin QIU (CHN), aims for her second world title in three weeks.

At 65kg, Beyza AKKUS (TUR), who is returning silver medalist and European U20 champion, is a favorite for the gold. But she’ll have to get past Momoko KITADE (JPN), a 2024 Asian U20 champion. Both Margarita SALNAZARIAN (UWW) and Zaixue RUI (CHN), who were bronze medalists last year, are also strong contenders.

At 72kg, all eyes will be on Jasmine ROBINSON (USA), the defending champion who dominated last year's event. She's a strong favorite to win gold again. However, Yuqi LIU (CHN), the silver medalist, is focused on revenge.

KAJAL (IND), the Asian U20 champion, brings impressive credentials, including silver medals at the World and Asian U17 events this year. Another name to watch is Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (UWW), a European U23 champion who finished fifth last year.

At 62kg, European U20 champion Ruzanna MAMMADOVA (AZE) will look to win a medal after finishing fifth last year at 59kg. But she will have to go past Asian U20 champ ANJLI (IND), who also won silver at World U23 Championships last year and Pan-Am U20 champ Annika FINES (CAN).

Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI)Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI) is a returning silver medalist at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

GRECO-ROMAN

Iran has won five straight team titles in Greco-Roman at the World U20 Championships. But winning the sixth will be challenging. While Iran’s line-up in 2024 was incredible, this year's does not guarantee the same.

The team, however, is still a strong contender, but countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Ukraine have their top wrestlers, and a few top UWW wrestlers are also in.

Leading the charge for Iran is Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI), a returning silver medalist at 130kg. After winning his second Asian U20 gold this year, he's the top contender for gold. Last year, he was stunned in the final by Laszlo DARABOS (HUN), who isn't competing this year. Instead, Koppany LASZLO (HUN) -- a bronze medalist from Budapest Ranking Series -- will take his place.

Other notable names include last year's world and European U17 champion Ivan YANKOVSKYI (UKR), who is making his U20 debut against wrestlers like European U20 silver medalist Ali ILIASOV (UWW) and former world U17 champion Saba PURTSELADZE (GEO). Two-time former world U17 champion Cemal BAKIR (TUR) is also in the mix, looking for his first major U20 success after placing seventh at last year's U20 Worlds and eighth at this year's European U20 Championships.

Payam AHMADI (IRI)Payam AHMADI (IRI) is one of the favorites to win gold medal at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran's gold medal hopes extend to Asian U20 champion Payam AHMADI (IRI), a 2023 world champion at 48kg, and now the front-runner at 55kg.

His biggest challenger is two-time former world U17 champion Turan DASHDAMIROV (AZE), who suffered his first-ever continental loss, taking silver at the European U20 Championships recently. The wrestler who handed him that defeat was Ivan SOLOMIN (UWW), who will be a formidable opponent in Samokov.

Also in the mix is Koba KARUMIDZE (GEO), a European U20 bronze and U23 silver medalist. Having lost to Dashdamirov three times already, he's eager for revenge and a shot at the gold. A dark horse to watch is Anil MOR (IND), who has shown significant improvement this year, winning gold at the Mongolian Open and bronze in Budapest. He had finished 10th last year in Pontevedra.

Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW)Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), world U20 champ at 72kg, will be wrestling at 77kg in Samokov. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

In a different weight class this year, Ahoura BOUVEIRI PIANI (IRI) returns for Iran. After finishing 16th at 72kg last year, he moved up to 77kg. This will be his third World U20s, and he's aiming for his first medal. It'll be a tough challenge, however, as the weight class includes returning world 72kg champion, Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), who was also a world U17 champion in 2023.

Another former world U17 champion, Anri PUTKARADZE (GEO), won the European U20 gold, and is a strong contender for the world title. He's known for his formidable par terre defense and a successful gut-wrench.

The list of contenders also includes European U20 silver medalist Davud MAMMADOV (AZE), who lost to Putkaradze in the 2024 world U17 final but has senior-level experience. Asian U23 champion Akzhan YKYLASSOV (KAZ) is also a notable entry in this stacked weight class.

Georgia brings more podium threats, including European U20 champions Aleksandre RUSITASHVILI (GEO) at 72kg and Luka KOCHALIDZE (GEO) at 87kg. Rusitashvili will face a familiar field at 72kg, led by his European rival, Gaspar TERTERYAN (ARM), a returning ninth from 67kg and 2024 Euro U20s silver medalist.

This weight class is a major focus for Greece, whose best medal hope is former world U17 champion Arionas KOLITSOPOULOS (GRE). He'll be challenged by Ahmadreza MOHAMADIAN (IRI), who is making his U20 debut and seeking revenge after losing to Kolitsopoulos in the 2023 world U17 final.

Other contenders for gold include returning 67kg silver medalist Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ), former world U17 champion Joel ADAMS (USA), and Asian U20 champion Ahmad KODIROV (UZB).

For Kochalidze, repeating his results at 87kg from Euros may be tough, as the weight class features recently crowned world U17 champion, Amirsam MOHAMMADI (IRI).

The competition is further intensified by strong gold medal contenders, including Asian U20 champion and returning bronze medalist Temirlan TURDAKYN (KAZ) and European U20 silver medalist Abdurakhman ABDULKADYROV (UWW).

The 67kg weight class is shaping up to be one of the toughest in Samokov. Erzu ZAKRIEV (UWW), the returning world 63kg champion, is the favorite to claim his second title. Last year, Zakriev was dominant, his only real test coming from Anri KHOZREVANIDZE (GEO) in the semifinals.

Khozrevanidze, who is also moving up to 67kg, won bronze at the European U20s and was the U23 champion. He will be looking to avenge his loss to Zakriev and win gold. Also in the mix is returning silver medalist Otto BLACK (USA). After competing at the senior level in Budapest and Zagreb without medaling, he'll face a new set of challenges with Zakriev and Khozrevanidze now in his weight class.

Zhantoro MIRZALIEV (KGZ), the Asian U20 champion and 2023 world U20 silver medalist, is back with gold on his mind. Vladyslav POKOTYLO (UKR), European U20 silver medalist, and Fayozbek ESHMIRZAEV (UZB), Asian U20 silver medalist, are also strong favorites to reach the podium.

The 60kg weight class is stacked and leading the pack is European U20 champion Aykhan JAVADOV (AZE). He aims to add a world U20 gold to the U17 title he won last year. He will face a familiar rival in senior European bronze medalist Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO), whom Javadov defeated in last year's European U20 final.

Returning bronze medalist Papik DZHAVADIAN (UWW), a Euro U23 bronze medalist, is also a serious contender for gold. Other top names include Isaiah CORTEZ (USA), a 55kg silver last year who has moved up in weight, and Adam SILVERIN (SWE), a European U20 silver medalist hoping to improve on last year's 12th-place finish to earn Sweden its first world U20 medal since 2021.

Former world U17 champion SURAJ (IND) will make his U20 debut and his recent success makes him one of India's strongest medal hopes.

At 97kg, finalists from last year, Darius KIEFER (GER) and Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR), are set to resume their rivalry. Yakushenko is the defending champion, having defeated Kiefer 6-4 in the final last year in addition to beating the German wrestler in the European final as well.

However, Kiefer has already avenged his loss at the European level, defeating Yakushenko to win gold at this year. He is now focused on reversing his world U20 loss.

The field also includes strong contenders like Gor AYVAZYAN (GEO), who won a world U20 silver and European title in 2023 and a world U17 gold in 2022. He finished 12th at the U20 Euros but is a proven threat. Iran's Hadi SEYDI AVENDI (IRI), the Asian U20 champion, also has the talent to go all the way.

The 63kg weight class could be Uzbekistan's chance for gold. Following its recent success at U17 level, Uzbekistan will hope to continue the trend at the U20 Worlds. Senior Asian champion Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) is aiming to win Uzbekistan's first U20 Greco-Roman world title since 2011.

Standing in his way are several top contenders: European U20 champion Igor PUNCHENKO (UWW), silver medalist Tural AHMADOV (AZE), and Asian U20 champion Emirlan DUISHENALIEV (KGZ).

The 82kg weight class can witness former world U17 champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) win gold. He returns as a bronze medalist from last year, is the 2024 senior Asian champion. The field also has Anri DAVITADZE (GEO), whom Yoshida defeated for the bronze in Pontevedra last year.

The top challengers are Asian U20 champion Dias SEITKALIYEV (KAZ) and European U20 champion Mikhail SHKARIN (UWW), who is also a 2024 world U17 champion. Yoshida has a history with Shkarin, having defeated him in a thrilling 8-6 final at the 2023 World U17 Championships.