#WrestleTirana

Mohmadi shuts Novikov down to avenge Paris Olympic loss

Friday, February 28, 2025 - 19:23 By Vinay Siwach

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TIRANA, Albania (February 28) -- Alireza MOHMADI (IRI) and Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) flexed their achievements in their own ways. Both acknowledged each other but a sense of supremacy also followed.

In a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic Greco-Roman 87kg final, Novikov and Mohmadi met in the quarterfinal of the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series to add another chapter to the exciting rivalry. While the stage wasn't as grand as Paris, Mohmadi avenged his loss from the final, blanking Olympic champion Novikov 5-0 and dominating the proceedings in the match.

Mohmadi went on to win the gold medal at 87kg after David LOSONCZI (HUN) pulled out of the final injured but the purpose of getting a match against Novikov and winning was served.

"This match was very important to me," Mohmadi said. "Wrestling against Novikov, who I wrestled in the Olympics, I expected myself to wrestle better than I did in the Olympics. I was able to win and wrestle without mistakes. I hope I can maintain this winning streak against Novikov in the World Championships as well."

Novikov won 7-0 in Paris in a very one-sided final and Mohmadi, perhaps learning from that experience from Paris where he wasn't awarded the forced par terre, began on an aggressive note. He got the par terre but failed to score and led only 1-0 at the break. However, the second period was also saw Mohmadi dominate proceedings as he scored a stepout and takedown to make it 4-0.

The world silver medalist was awarded the par terre in the second period as well which extended his lead to 5-0 but he once again failed to score. He shut Novikov down for the remaining time to win the bout.

He blew a kiss like an archer release the arrow whereas Novikov flexed his biceps, perhaps reminding Mohmadi that he is still the Olympic champion.

"I expected this match to be intense because the wrestler is both an Olympic champion and a world medalist, and a very good wrestler," he said. "But fortunately, I was able to use my opportunities well and get my points in this match."

Alireza MOHMADI (IRI) Alireza MOHMADI (IRI) defeated Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) 5-0 at 87kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Mohmadi seems to have became the mainstay for Iran at 87kg for the foreseeable future but given the international depth at the weight class, Mohmadi knows he cannot let his guard down. 

"The 87 kg weight class has many contenders, even in these competitions," he said. "With the help coaches, I work on each of them individually and plan for each of them. They will do the same because this weight class has many contenders and has always been a busy weight class."

Novikov wasn't the only big win for Mohmadi on Friday. He began with a 8-0 sweep of Tamas LEVAI (HUN) and defeated European champion Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) 5-1 in the semifinal.

A mouthwatering final against Losonczi was set but the Hungarian injured his elbow in the semifinal against Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) and decided to skip the gold medal match.

"I hurt my right shoulder in the semifinals," Losonczi said. "It is a little swollen. I don’t think it’s too serious and I will be fine for the Europeans, but this is why I made this decision to sit out of the finals, just to make sure it does not get worse."

In the other Greco-Roman weight class that was in action on Friday, Yryskeldi MAKSATBEK UULU (KGZ) defeated Idris IBAEV (GER), 3-2, to win the gold medal at 77kg.

Ibaev raced to a 5-0 lead after getting the first par terre position but Kyrgyzstan challenged the call for a leg-foul that was confirmed on review and Ibaev's lead was cut to 1-0. Maksatbek Uulu scored a takedown just before the break to claim a 2-1 lead.

Maksatbek Uulu got the par terre in second period but did not score any point. He, however, led 3-1 before Ibaev managed to get a stepout to make it 3-2.  However, that was not enough as Maksetbek Uulu defended his one point lead till the end of time to win the gold medal.

RESULTS

77kg
GOLD: Yryskeldi MAKSATBEK UULU (KGZ) df. Idris IBAEV (GER), 3-2

BRONZE: Per Albin OLOFSSON (SWE) df. Antonio KAMENJASEVIC (CRO), 3-3
BRONZE: Kodai SAKURABA (JPN) df. Aleksa ILIC (SRB), 7-4

87kg
GOLD: Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) df. David LOSONCZI (HUN), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Tamas LEVAI (HUN) df. Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB), 3-1
BRONZE: Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) df. Nursultan TURSYNOV (TUR), 3-1

#development, #Anti-Doping

UWW, ITA deliver anti-doping education at World Championships camp

Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 11:30 By United World Wrestling Press

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POREC, Croatia (September 11) -- The United World Wrestling recently hosted a successful on-site Anti-Doping education event in collaboration with the International Testing Agency at the World Championships acclimatization camp in Poreč.

This marked the first time UWW partnered with ITA to deliver education directly at a training camp. A dedicated booth was set up on September 8 and 9 during the camp, and presentation sessions, led by ITA educator Anita HARTUNG, were held during the evenings of both days.

"The camp offered a great opportunity to connect with athletes ahead of their major competition," Hartung said. "Many stopped by the Clean Sport booth before and after training, showing genuine interest and openness in discussing the fundamentals of Anti-Doping.

"It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a motivated athlete community and support them in their sporting journey."

The sessions provided athletes with in-depth knowledge about Anti-Doping rules, safe supplement use, and ethical sporting practices.

Two dedicated presentation sessions explored key topics, including athletes’ rights and responsibilities, how to check medications, Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and the risks associated with supplement use.

Holding the sessions during the acclimatization period, rather than the competition phase, allowed athletes to engage in a more relaxed environment and fully focus on learning.

CRO

"These are some of the best wrestlers in the world, and thanks to the collaboration with ITA, they are better informed,” Carlos ROY, UWW Secretary General, said. "Education on Anti-Doping protects our sport, promotes fair competition, and ensures our athletes can perform at their best with confidence."

The initiative reflects UWW’s ongoing commitment to clean sport and athlete support. By equipping wrestlers with knowledge and tools to make informed choices, UWW and ITA aim to strengthen integrity in wrestling while fostering a culture of safe and fair competition.

The Anti-Doping education sessions are part of a broader effort by UWW to provide athletes with continuous learning opportunities on the importance of competing clean, complementing existing regulations and testing programs.

With the World Championships on the horizon, these activities ensure that athletes are not only physically and technically prepared but also well-informed about Anti-Doping practices, reinforcing the values of integrity, fairness, and excellence in wrestling.