#JapanWrestling

Otoguro's dream of Olympic repeat shattered with stunning loss to Kiyooka

Saturday, December 23, 2023 - 18:01 By Ken Marantz

Share this article

TOKYO (December 23) -- The day after his younger sister pulled off an upset by beating the world champion, Kotaro KIYOOKA managed to top that with the type of victory that reverberates throughout the wrestling world.

Kiyooka officially ended Tokyo Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO's hopes to repeat in Paris, getting two calls advantageously corrected on challenge in the last 30 seconds to score a stunning 6-6 victory in their freestyle 65kg semifinal at the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Championships on Saturday in Tokyo.

"I was the challenger, but I went in with a strong mind that I could knock him off," said Kiyooka, who was vociferously cheered on by the large contingent of his Nippon Sports Science University teammates at Yoyogi No. 2 Gym.

In another weight class in the spotlight, Nonoka OZAKI assured that the open Olympic spot at women's 68kg will be heading to a playoff after upending Ami ISHII in their first-round clash, while Yukako KAWAI was another Tokyo Olympic gold medalist eliminated from the Paris hunt.

Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN)Kotaro KIYOOKA goes out the back door for a takedown against Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO in the freestyle 65kg semifinals. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation / Takeo Yabuki)

For the 22-year-old Kiyooka, his mission is not yet over. The tournament is also serving as the qualifier for the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament in Bishkek in April, and Kiyooka will face fellow collegian Masanosuke ONO in Sunday's final to earn that ducat.

"If I lose tomorrow, it's all for nothing," Kiyooka said. "I will focus on the one match and make sure I come out the winner."

Kiyooka said he was inspired by younger sister Moe winning her second straight All-Japan title at 55kg on Friday when she beat reigning world champion Haruna OKUNO in the final to avenge a loss in a world team playoff in July.

"That really gave me a spark," Kotaro said. "I was in the middle of cutting weight but I watched it closely."

The siblings had both missed out on making the World Championships in an Olympic weight with losses at the second domestic qualifier, the Meiji Cup All-Japan Invitational Championships, in June.

"She had also tasted the disappointment of defeat after losing a playoff and at the Meiji Cup," Kiyooka said. "I'm really happy that she won, and that made me fight even harder."

Otoguro came into the tournament having been plagued by a right foot injury that he suffered in January this year, but which flared up at his only two outings -- the Meiji Cup, which he still won, and the World Championships in September, where he strikingly failed to secure a Paris berth at 65kg.

The foot didn't seem to affect him in his first two matches Saturday, although he did take a brief timeout against Kiyooka. When the chips were down late in the match, he moved with the fierce intensity of a banshee, and Kiyooka fought him tooth and nail.

Kiyooka was the aggressor and scored the first points after going out the back door on a takedown in the first period, then made it 4-0 with a high leg roll. Otoguro snatched a takedown just before the buzzer to go into the break down 4-2.

With the crowd sensing a historic upset and Otoguro going into high gear, Kiyooka shot again, but Otoguro reached over and worked for a counter lift with a half-minute to go. This is where things got both interesting and complicated.

Takuto OTOGURO (JPN)The two points that Takuto OTOGURO (red) was awarded on this counter lift in the final seconds was rescinded on challenge. (Japan Wrestling Federation / Takeo Yabuki)

Otoguro executed a lift and back roll for 2, then another, then apparently a third that put him up 8-4. But Kiyooka's side challenged, and the points for the third roll were switched to a 2-point exposure for Kiyooka, putting him ahead 6-6 on last-point criteria.

As the time ticked down, Kiyooka was desperately clasping onto a leg, with Otoguro glancing at the clock as he girded his strength for one last counter lift. With the clock nearing zero, he hit the move and turned Kiyooka over, and the referees signaled 2 points.

But that was not the end. Another challenge, and after a long look at the replay, it was determined that Kiyooka's back had not been in the danger position by breaking the 90-degree plane. No points, and the king had fallen.

"He wasn't going to let me win easily, and the second period was a real battle," Kiyooka said. "I thought I had won, and maybe there was a little luck on my side. But it was good that I stayed on the attack in the second period. I think that led to the win."

As the NSSU side went wild, Otoguro displayed a mixture of disbelief, agitation and anger. Never one to handle losing well, he stormed out of the arena and refused to talk with the media.

Shinichi YUMOTO, Otoguro's coach on the Self-Defense Forces Physical Training School team, appeared in Otoguro's place.

"We disagree completely with the call, but the refereeing supervisor made the decision and we have to live by it," Yumoto said. "There is no one who puts their whole self into wrestling like him, and because he is so devastated he is unable to do an interview. I apologize for that."

Yumoto acknowledged that Otoguro needs to accept the outcome. "I think we saw a Takuto who gave everything he has now. He needs to have the pride of an Olympic champion and calmly accept the defeat."

Nonoka OZAKI (JPN)Nonoka OZAKI scores a takedown with an ankle pick against Ami ISHII in their first-round match at women's 68kg. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation / Takeo Yabuki)

Ozaki, Morikawa to clash in 68kg final

The Japan federation had set the criteria that a wrestler who wins a medal in an Olympic weight class at the World Championships in Belgrade would automatically fill the spot in Paris themselves. Of the 10 secured by Japan, Ishii's at 68kg was the only one who did not medal.

That left 68kg as the lone unfilled spot for the Japanese women, and a powerful lineup had gathered to challenge Ishii, who could have clinched the place outright by winning the All-Japan.

Now she will have to earn it in a playoff with the winner of the final on Sunday between Ozaki and Miwa MORIKAWA, after both made it through a gauntlet in their brackets.

Ozaki has been on a roller-coaster of emotions since losing out at her normal weight class of 62kg to Sakura MOTOKI, who secured her ticket to Paris with a silver medal in Belgrade.

Morikawa was in a similar boat, as she lost to Ishii in the world team playoff at 68kg. Both Ozaki and Morikawa also went to Belgrade in non-Olympic weights, with the former winning the gold at 65kg and the latter a bronze at 72kg. Ishii's failure to win a medal reopened the door to Paris for both, and now they are on a collision course to see who gets to challenge Ishii in the decisive showdown on a date to be determined.

On Saturday, the naturally lighter Ozaki put her superior speed to full use in chalking up a 6-2 victory over Ishii.

Ozaki said she was unfazed by having to face Ishii right off the bat. "My goal is the win the championship," she said. "I can't get to the playoff without it, so I can't let myself get too high or too low. Facing Ishii in the first match is just part of it."

Ozaki scored a takedown with a slick ankle pick in the first period for a 2-0 lead. In the second period, Ishii secured an underhook that set up a deep single shot, but Ozaki worked out of it and spun behind to make it 4-0.

Ishii then put the pressure on from above and Ozaki on her knees, but Ozaki shimmied out of danger and got behind for another takedown. Ishii managed a stepout that also drew a fleeing point, but it was too little too late.

After pouring it on in the second period to beat Mei SHINDO by a 10-0 technical fall in the quarterfinals, Ozaki advanced to the final with an 8-1 victory over Miyu YOSHIKAWA, who scored one of her biggest career wins by knocking off Kawai.

Kawai, the Tokyo Olympic champion at 62kg, saw her last chance to get back to the Olympics end when Yoshikawa scored the final point in a scramble for a 4-4 win on criteria.

Yoshikawa, formerly IMAI, has been a perennial medalist at 65kg and although she has never won a national title, she was a world junior champion in 2018.

Morikawa's path to the final consisted of a 3-2 win over Rin MIYAJI and a 10-0 technical fall over Masako FURUICHI. Ironically, the three were all medalists together at the 2021 World Championships in Oslo, where Morikawa and Miyaji won silvers at 65kg and 68kg, respectively, and Furuichi won the 72kg gold.

Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN)Hayato ISHIGURO fends off a takedown attempt by Sosuke TAKATANI in the freestyle 86kg final. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation / Takeo Yabuki)

Ishiguro quashes Takatani's Olympic hopes, title streak

Veteran Sosuke TAKATANI saw his dreams of a fourth Olympic appearance and a streak of 12 straight All-Japan titles come crashing down at the hands of Takashi ISHIGURO. And he drew a tear-filled tongue-lashing from his younger brother to boot.

Ishiguro fended off Takatani's tackles and held on for a 3-2 victory in the freestyle 86kg final to earn a ticket to the Asian Olympic qualifier to go with his second straight title and third overall. The Asian bronze medalist this year will get his second chance to make a first Olympics after coming up short at the World Championships.

"It's not over yet. I still have a high hurdle to get over," Ishiguro said. "But I'm really happy."

With Ishiguro leading 1-1 on criteria after the two traded activity points, he scored a stepout that drew an additional point for fleeing for a 3-1 lead with 1:20 left. Takatani received another activity point, but his desperate attempts for a winning takedown were thwarted.

Takatani was aiming for his 13th straight All-Japan title won over four weight classes, but more importantly, he wanted to go to the Paris Olympics in tandem with younger brother Daichi, who clinched his ticket by winning a bronze medal at 74kg in Belgrade.

In the concourse beneath the stands leading to the mixed zone, Daichi confronted his brother. Like a coach castigating a player who let him down, he went at Sosuke for spoiling their plans in a mixture of ire and affection.

"What were you doing out there for six minutes!" he bellowed before the tirade ended with a hug.

Ishiguro also saw a brother fall by the wayside, as older sibling and two-time defending champion Takashi was dethroned at 97kg with a 7-1 loss in the semifinals to Hibiku ITO.

Ito, whose mother was an Olympic medal-winning volleyball player, stands 1.93 meters and used his height advantage to score a 4-point counter and fend off Ishiguro's low tackles.

In the final, Ito will face one of Japan's fastest-rising stars, 19-year-old Arash YOSHIDA, who won the 92kg gold at the Asian Championships in his international debut and finished fifth at the World Championships.

Yoshida blasted his way to the gold-medal match with a fall and technical fall in his two matches. Asked about his strategy in regard to Ito's height, the son of an Iranian father and Japanese mother replied, "It's difficult. I've never faced such a tall wrestler. It's important how I can attack. I will talk it over with my coach."

In other action, two-time world champion Remina YOSHIMOTO and reigning world U23 champion Umi ITO both cruised into the women's 50kg final in what will be a matchup of arguably the best wrestlers in the world in that weight class not named Yui SUSAKI.

Susaki, like all of the eight others who clinched Paris berths in Belgrade, did not enter the tournament.

Japan has a good chance to gain another ticket to Paris at Greco 67kg from either Asian Games gold medalist Katsuaki ENDO or Asian silver medalist Kyotaro SOGABE, who will clash in the final after both won their respective semifinal by technical fall.

Tomoaki FUTAMATA (JPN)Tomoaki FUTAMATA (red) sends Taishi NARIKUNI flying for a 4-point throw during their Greco 67kg match. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation / Takeo Yabuki)

While they were tearing through their respective brackets, former world freestyle champion Taishi NARIKUNI's latest foray into Greco was dealt a surprisingly early setback.

Narikuni, who won the 2022 world gold at freestyle 70kg, had planned to compete in both styles at last year's Emperor's Cup, but withdrew from both after suffering an injury just before the tournament. He then went strictly with Greco at the Meiji Cup, but was ousted in the quarterfinals.

On Saturday, he was completely outclassed by Tomoaki FUTAMATA, who reeled off a pair of 4-point throws for a 9-0 win in 2:05 in their preliminary round match.

"It's really shameful," a tearful Narikuni said. "I came with the real aim of winning the title. It's not like I let down my guard, I was ready to go from the first match. Wrestling can be really difficult."

Narikuni realizes that he may have set a trend, as more than a few wrestlers are competing this year in both styles, including freestyle 61kg champion Kaisei TANABE, who made it to the quarterfinals at Greco 63kg.

"Recently, I have become a pathfinder and the number doing both styles has increased," Narikuni said. "But because I have not won at all, all I feel is pitiful."

Ironically, Futamata is among the group that doubled up here. His priority on Greco, however, became apparent when he was forced to make a tough decision.

Five minutes before his match against Narikuni, his first-round match at freestyle 70kg was called. He forfeited it.

Day 3 Results

Freestyle

57kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Kento YUMIYA df. Rikuto ARAI by TF, 10-0, 2:01

BRONZE: Yudai FUJITA df. Yuto TAKESHITA, 5-2
BRONZE: Daito KATSUME df. Akito MUKAIDA, 11-7

65kg (27 entries)
Semifinal: Kotaro KIYOOKA df. Takuto OTOGURO, 6-6
Semifinal: Masanosuke ONO df. Ryoma ANRAKU, 8-4

70kg (21 entries)
GOLD: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI df. Keiji WATANABE, 4-0

BRONZE: Kanata YAMAGUCHI df. Raita MORITA by TF, 10-0, 3:43
BRONZE: Ryota UCHIYAMA df. Toki OGAWA by Fall, 6:00 (10-4)

Semifinal: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI df. Raita MORITA by TF, 10-0, 1:23
Semifinal: Keiji WATANABE df. Toki OGAWA, 2-0

79kg (20 entries)
GOLD: Ryunosuke KAMIYA df. Kirin KINOSHITA, 9-6

BRONZE: Subaru TAKAHARA df. Yuta ABE, 6-4
BRONZE: Taro UMEBAYASHI df. Kensuke OTANI by TF, 13-0, 3:46

Semifinal: Ryunosuke KAMIYA df. Yuta ABE by TF, 10-0, 5:14
Semifinal: Kirin KINOSHITA df. Taro UMEBAYASHI by TF, 11-0, 4:48

86kg (14 entries)
GOLD: Hayato ISHIGURO df. Sosuke TAKATANI, 3-2

BRONZE: Yudai TAKAHASHI df. Mao OKUI by Fall, 5:59 (7-0)
BRONZE: Tatsuya SHIRAI df. Shota SHIRAI by TF, 10-0, 5:20

97kg (14 entries)
Semifinal: Hibiki ITO df. Takashi ISHIGURO, 7-1
Semifinal: Arash YOSHIDA df. Taira SONODA by TF, 11-0, 2:32

Greco-Roman

60kg (16 entries)
GOLD: Kaito INABA df. Maito KAWANA, 5-2

BRONZE: Yasuhito MORI df. Keijiro SONE, 4-2
BRONZE: Koto GOMI def. Kosei TAKESHITA by Def.

67kg (20 entries)
Semifinal: Katsuaki ENDO df. Haruto YABE by TF, 11-0, 2:27
Semifinal: Kyotaro SOGABE df. Tomoaki FUTAMATA by TF, 9-0, 1:58

77kg (12 entries)
GOLD: Isami HORIKITA df. Taishi TOMOYOSE, 5-3

BRONZE: Keisei SHIMABUKURO df. Yudai KOBORI by TF, 10-2, 1:30
BRONZE: Shu YAMADA df. Kenryu KUZUYA, 8-5

Women's Wrestling

50kg (18 entries)
Semifinal: Remina YOSHIMOTO df. Miwa MAGARA by TF, 10-0, 3:39
Semifinal: Umi ITO df. Minoriho MAEHARA by TF, 13-2, 3:20

57kg (13 entries)
Semifinal: Sae NANJO df. Sara NATAMI by Fall, 5:04 (2-5)
Semifinal: Yumaka TANABE df. Ichika ARAI, 4-4

68kg (11 entries)
Semifinal: Miwa MORIKAWA df. Masako FURUICHI by TF, 10-0, 5:56
Semifinal: Nonoka OZAKI df. Miyu YOSHIKAWA, 8-1

#WrestleSamokov

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 Preview

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

Share this article

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.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PREVIEW HERE

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.