#ChinaOpen2018

New Coach, New Outlook: China Aims for World Domination in Women’s Wrestling

Thursday, June 21, 2018 - 09:15 By Eric Olanowski and Tim Foley

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TAIYUAN, China (June 20) – On the eve of hosting its first competition in six years, the Chinese women’s national team, once relegated to silver linings, is poised for a breakout season.

Why such a golden outlook?

First came the appointment of a new president for the Chinese Wrestling Federation, Mrs. ZHANG Xia, a longtime referee and 1991 world champion at 62kg. Next, former Azerbaijan head women’s head coach (and native Bulgarian) Simon ATANASOV was hired to help run the nation’s powerful women’s program. Finally, and most importantly, the women on the Chinese team did what all great teams must do to win: they bought into the process.

“The federation wanted change and I’ve always wanted to coach a nation that can be the best in the world,” said Atanasov. “The Chinese are very tough and with good coaching they can be the top team in Asia and the world.”


Chinese wrestlers tie-up during a practice session Tuesday as they prepare for this weekend's China Open (Photo: Max Rose Fyne)

Between Team China and world supremacy is a Japanese women’s program that has become synonymous with golden success. Since 2004 the island nation of 130 million people has accounted for an astonishing 11 of the possible 18 Olympic gold medals in women’s wrestling.

But in 2018 there are signs that the Chinese women are absorbing lessons from their new coach - putting on record-breaking performances at the Ivan Yarygin and Asian Championships along with a runner-up finish at the World Cup. “We’re trying to overthrow Japan and to do so we need to focus on teamwork,” said PANG Qianyu. “We also have to continue to study the sport and analyze their skills and techniques.”

(l-r) PALIHA Paliha, Simeon Atanasov, ZHOU Qian (Photo: Max Rose-Fyne)

The techniques and teamwork have been Atanasov’s focus since arriving in at the National Training Center in Beijing last year. Though geographical circumstances divide the national team into two distinct groups (Hubei/Shanxi on one side, Liaoning on the other), Atanassov sees a growing comradery and commitment to learning techniques.

“These girls feel a sense of pride for each other,” said Atanasov as he prepared wrestlers for the China Open. “They have big hearts for competition and I see every day their technique is much better.”

The dedication of the coaching staff is mirrored by the devotion of the athletes to a new idea of how high they can reach as a team. “Chinese wrestlers are more confident than we were before, and our confidence grows every time we compete,” said 2018 Asian Champion, ZHOU Qian (CHN). “We are building stronger.”

Ivan Yarygin bronze medalist, PALIHA Paliha added, “Coach Atanasov encourages us not to be afraid to make mistakes when we compete. He tells us not to fear, but to be confident.”

PEI Xingru PEI (CHN) looks to take down Yukako KAWAI (JPN) at the 2018 Women's Wrestling World Cup in Takasaki, Japan (Photo: Max Rose-Fyne)

The 2018 Asian Championships proved to be a major stepping stone for Team China’s quest for validation of their accomplishments. Where the nation of 1.4 billion had only captured a single gold medal in 2017, the team returned from their 2018 exploit with five gold medals – half the available top spots.

According to Zhou the seeds of confidence were nurtured by “a new coaching staff bringing new concepts to practice. They come up with unique ways of keeping us engaged – even when we’re tired.”

The China Open is certain to be another success for the Chinese women. With their top wrestlers competing and as many as three wrestlers entered per weight category the medal stand will likely be a sea of red. Adding to the level of competitiveness, a carrot for some competitors that a gold medal will punch their ticket to the prestigious Asian Games in Jakarta this August.



“I know they will compete hard at the tournament, because they have a lot of pride, but I will be looking for techniques,’ said Atanassov. “We have a world of opponents.”

Zhou, who took world silver in 2015 said no matter who is in the top spot Team China’s focus is renewed and turned inward.

“We do not do our best to overcome another country,” she said. “We look to become stronger for ourselves, and hopefully with that we will be at the top.”

#WrestlePontevedra

Zhang twins continue growth with U20 Worlds golds

Saturday, September 7, 2024 - 00:46 By Vinay Siwach

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PONTEVEDRA, Spain (September 6) -- A year after winning the U17 continental titles, the Zhang twins are winning world titles together.

Yu ZHANG (CHN) won the 50kg gold medal on Thursday and cheered for her sister Jin who clinched the 53kg gold medal on Friday to give China the second gold medal in Women's Wrestling at the U20 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

The twins, who turn 18 on September 26, dominated their matches on their way to gold with Jin winning her final in just a minute and five seconds over Carla JAUME SOLER (ESP), who is Spain's first wrestler to reach a World Championships at any level or style.

"I felt very nervous at the beginning, but after I came on the mat, I relaxed and I just showed my usual level," Zhang said.

Jin ZHANG (CHN)Jin ZHANG (CHN) pins Carla JAUME (ESP) in the 53kg final at the U20 World Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Zhang scored a takedown using a double-leg and kept Jaume on her back on the mat. Despite Jaume's efforts to avoid the fall, Zhang secured the fall by moving Jaume's head towards the center of the mat than going outside.

This was Zhang's second fall of the tournament while she had won her first two bouts via technical superiority. At the U20 Asian Championships in May, Zhang won two bouts via superiority and two via fall. However, Zhang said she was not satisfied with her performance on Thursday.

"I don’t think it reached the level I expected," she said. "There were some actions where I made a lot of mistakes. I have to go back and summarize them before practicing again."

The sisters have been exchanging notes about wrestling during the competition as they have done in previous competitions. Yu helped Zhang prepare for the final against Jaume.

"We sometimes participate in competitions together," she said. "We can learn from each other, tell yourself or her what shortcomings you have, and teach her how to practice some actions."

Hailing from Shuyang County, Suqian, Jiangsu, the Zhang sisters began wrestling in primary school. It was Yu who was picked by a coach of her school who picked her randomly to participate in the sports meet. Yu liked wrestling and continued her practice.

"When Yu was a child, she was selected by the coach of the city sports school because she was trying to participate in the sports meet," Zhang explained. "Then she started wrestling. Later, she gradually learned more about wrestling, and fell in love with wrestling."

Both have not disappointed so far, winning the U17 Asian golds, U20 Asian gold and bronze and now the U20 world title. Yu Zhang has won senior-level medals as well and continues to support Jin at competitions.

"We usually sit together and have a good chat about the good and bad aspects of our game," Yu Zhang said.

Jasmine ROBINSON (USA)Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) reacts after winning the 72kg final against Yuqi LIU (CHN). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Despite two gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal, China failed to finish on the podium in team rankings. It finished fourth with 99 points, two less than third-placed United States.

The race for the third spot came to the final match of the day as Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) and Yuqi LIU (CHN) clashed in the 72kg final and the winner would have helped its team finish third. The two were unmatched on Thursday, finishing their matches well before time.

Liu began the final with a double-leg takedown and tried a leg lace that she was not able to perform. She continued her attacks but Robinson used a whizzer to get four points. While the pin was not called, Robinson added four more points with a headlock but Liu rolled over for two points.

Just when it looked like Liu would come back in the final after scoring a go-behind to cut the lead to 9-6, Robinson scored exposure and held Liu to win the gold medal.

"My coaches told me to watch out for the leg lace and I am very proud that I did not give that up," Robinson said.

JapanJapan won the Women's Wrestling team title with 149 points. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostandin Andonov)

Japan returned to the top of Women's Wrestling rankings by winning the team title with 149 points. After a record-breaking 230 points in 2022, Japan lost its title to India last year. India finished second in Pontevedra with 130 points and the United States was third with 101 points.

After Sakura ONISHI (JPN) gold on Thursday, Japan added two more to its tally on Friday. Sokawa UCHIDA (JPN) continued her unbeaten international run, winning her third age-group world title. She won the U17 word titles in 2022 and 2023. Her 12-2 win to win gold against Bertha ROJAS (MEX) on Friday was her fourth technical superiority win of the tournament.

Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN)Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) celebrates after winning the 57kg final at the U20 World Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Uchida won the 57kg gold medal while the other was added by Anana IKEHATA (JPN) who won the gold medal at 65kg. 

Uchida, 18, gave no chance to Rojas in the final, using singles and doubles to score the points on takedowns. It was only in the last move that Uchida was turned over by Rojas for exposure and gave up two points.

"It was my first time competing in the U20 level," Uchida said. "I was feeling really nervous, but my excitement was stronger, I was glad that I was able to compete in my own way. It was a great competition, and I am happy to have won."

Comparing her three medals at the World Championships, Uchida picked the one from Friday being the best. "All of them are great, but this one is the best,"

A product of the JOC Elite Academy, Uchida has been trying hard to break into the senior team. However, her third-place finishes in Emperor's and Meiji Cups have not helped her earn that spot.

"This year I will do my best to win the Emperor's Cup," she said. "I'd like to try more types of fake attacks, transitions and tackle speed, and more. There are so many things we need to do. But on the other hand, if I improve on that, I definitely think I can win, so I want to work even harder."

Nana IKEHATA (JPN)Nana IKEHATA (JPN) defeated Beyza AKKUS (TUR) to win the 65kg gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Ikehata, a two-time age-group Asian champion, took more time to finish her 65kg final against Beyza AKKUS (TUR). She won the gold medal after beating Akkus 8-1.

After giving up a point for passivity, Ikehata scored a takedown using a snap and added one more before the break to lead 4-1. In the second period, Akkus showed some fake attacks on Ikehata who countered them and scored two more takedowns to win 8-1.

Continuing her incredible year, Iryna BONDAR (USA) added a U20 world title to her U23 European and Budapest Ranking Series gold medals. She defeated U20 Asian champion NITIKA (IND) 4-1 in the final.

Nitika initiated most attacks and even got various opportunities to score but Bondar had a solid defense and did not get a single point on her.

Bondar has two silver medals from the U23 World Championships and a bronze medal from the U20 Worlds. The gold medal on Friday was her first-ever title at the World Championships.

Nethmi AHINSA (SRI)Nethmi AHINSA (SRI), Sri Lanka's first-ever World Championships medalist in wrestling. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Sri Lanka history

Sri Lanka won its first-ever wrestling medal on the world stage after Nethmi AHINSA (SRI) won the bronze medal at 53kg against Valeryia MIKITSICH (AIN), 6-1. The win makes Ahinsa the first Sri Lanka wrestler to win a medal at any World Championships

Earlier in June, she won a bronze medal at the U20 Asian Championships, becoming the first Sri Lanka to win a medal at any championships in wrestling.

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Jin ZHANG (CHN) df. Carla JAUME SOLER (ESP), via fall

BRONZE: Nethmi AHINSA (SRI) df. Valeryia MIKITSICH (AIN), 6-1
BRONZE: Saki YUMIYA (JPN) df. JYOTI (IND), 6-4

57kg
GOLD: Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) df. Bertha ROJAS CHAVEZ (MEX), 12-2

BRONZE: Marta HETMANAVA (AIN) df. Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), 6-1
BRONZE: NEHA (IND) df. Gerda TEREK (HUN), 10-8

62kg
GOLD: Iryna BONDAR (UKR) df. NITIKA (IND), 4-1

BRONZE: Melanie JIMENEZ (MEX) df. Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), via fall
BRONZE: Nagisa ITO (JPN) df. Selvi ILYASOGLU (TUR), 10-9

65kg
GOLD: Nana IKEHATA (JPN) df. Beyza AKKUS (TUR), 8-1

BRONZE: Margarita SALNAZARIAN (AIN) df. Yuliia PAKHNIUK (UKR), 8-5
BRONZE: Zaixue RUI (CHN) df. SARIKA (IND), 7-3

72kg
GOLD: Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) df. Yuqi LIU (CHN), via fall (11-6)

BRONZE: Elvira ERSSON (SWE) df. Iryna ZABLOTSKA (UKR), 7-1
BRONZE: Noemi OSVATH NAGY (HUN) df. Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (AIN), 9-0

Freestyle Semifinals

57kg
GOLD: Luke LILLEDAHL (USA) vs. Lev PAVLOV (AIN)

SF 1: Luke LILLEDAHL (USA) df. Hayko GASPARYAN (ARM), 4-1
SF 2: Lev PAVLOV (AIN) df. Luka GVINJILIA (GEO), 5-2

65kg
GOLD: Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) vs. Makoto HOSOKAWA (JPN)

SF 1: Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) df. Adam ARKHIEV (AIN), 6-4 
SF 2: Makoto HOSOKAWA (JPN) df. Bowen BASSETT (USA), 10-0

70kg
GOLD: Magomed BAITUKAEV (AIN) vs. Ryoya YAMASHITA (JPN)

SF 1: Magomed BAITUKAEV (AIN) df. Peter DUKE (USA), 5-5
SF 2: Ryoya YAMASHITA (JPN) df. Ali KARAMPOUR (IRI), 13-2

79kg
GOLD: Alp BEGENJOV (TKM) vs. Zackary RYDER (USA)

SF 1: Alp BEGENJOV (TKM) df. AMIT (IND), via fall (11-0)
SF 2: Zackary RYDER (USA) df. Said SAIDULOV (AIN), 6-3

97kg
GOLD: Khetag KARSANOV (AZE) vs. Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ)

SF 1: Khetag KARSANOV (AZE) df. Adam JAKSIK (SVK), via fall
SF 2: Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) df. Justin RADEMACHER (USA), 9-1