Beach wrestling

Pakistan’s Muhammad Inam Has Big Dreams

By Marc Berman

SARIGERME, Turkey (October 6th and 7th) --  When Muhammad INAM (PAK) steps in to the circle for the 90kg final later today the world championship title is up for grabs. He will not be alone when he makes his last walk to the circle this weekend “I come here for my nation, my people, my government. They motivate me and are with me.”

Inam made history last year by winning the first world championship title for Pakistan in beach wrestling. “Last year when I returned to Pakistan lots of people met me at the airport, taking pictures and throwing flowers to me. I did a lot of media and lots of interviews. It was a big deal for our nation.”

The transition to beach wrestling was a natural one for Inam. Starting as a young boy in mud wrestling was an advantage, “In Pakistan we do not have money for mats so, we train in the mud. Now I train 10 months in the mud and two months before the championship I change to the sand.”

Winning back to back world championship titles would be another historic milestone for Inam and Pakistan.  Even more motivating for him then the title is the opportunity to shine a positive light on his country for the world to see. “Last year people were afraid to talk with me because they did not know me or Pakistan but, this year the fans cheer for me and snap pictures with me. This is why I come here, for my people and the next generation.”

Be with Inam in the finals when he attempts to make history today by watching live  on United World Wrestling

Wrestling Playlist: Rio 2016 Olympics Freestyle Rewind

By United World Wrestling Press

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (January 26) -- A decade since the Rio 2016 Olympics, UWW brings you the epic throwback to the finals of Freestyle. Six gold medals were won in the Brazilian city 10 years ago.

At 57kg, Vladimir KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO) defeated Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) in a close final while Soslan RAMANOV (RUS) dominated his final against Togrul ASGAROV (AZE) at 65kg.

Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) won the epic final at 74kg against Aniuar GEDUEV (RUS) by one point. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) won his first Olympic gold in 2016 by beating Selim YASAR (TUR) at 86kg.

Kyle SNYDER (USA) became the youngest American wrestler then to win an Olympic gold as he defeated Khetag GOZIUMOV (AZE) in the 97kg final. At 125kg, Taha AKGUL (TUR) held on for a win against Khomel GHASEMI (IRI).

WATCH THE FULL FINAL MATCHES OF 2016 RIO OLYMPICS HERE