#WrestleParis

Paris 2024: Fujinami, unbeaten in 137 straight bouts, becomes Olympic champion

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 23:10 By Ken Marantz

Share this article

PARIS (August 8) -- There is domination and there is the way that Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) overwhelmingly puts away every opponent who stands before her on the mat. And at just 20, it looks to continue for some time to come.

Fujinami capped an unobstructed run to the Olympic gold at women's 53kg with her fourth straight win of the tournament by fall or technical fall, overwhelming Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) 10-0 in the final on Thursday at the Paris Olympics.

"It's the best! The Olympics is the best! Wrestling is the best!" said a jubilant Fujinami, who extended her current winning streak at home and abroad to 137 matches in a row dating back to her junior high school days.

In the other finals at a packed Champs de Mar Arena, the Greco competition concluded with Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) winning Iran's second gold in two nights with a victory at 67kg, while Ukrainian-born Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) denied Iran a third by taking the 87kg gold for his adopted country.

Akari FUJINAMI (JPN)Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) scores a takedown on Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) in the 53kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

For Fujinami, the final against Yepez, who became Ecuador's first-ever Olympic wrestling medalist, offered a challenge from the only non-Japanese opponent who has ever given the reigning world champion a hint of trouble.

In a second-round match at last year's World Championships in Belgrade, Yepez stunned Fujinami and the wrestling world by jumping out to a 5-0 lead. Fujinami bounced back and won the match by fall after building a 16-7 lead, but the seven points remain the most ever scored on her by a non-Japanese opponent.

Not only that, but the only non-Japanese to go the distance during Fujinami's streak (116 of the 137 wins are by fall or technical fall) was Yepez, in a 3-1 loss in the semifinals at the 2018 World Cadet (U17) Championships.

As such, Fujinami remained cautiously aggressive during the match, working the opponent nicknamed "The Tiger" around the mat to set up her lethal takedowns that came one after another. Whether single-leg or double, Fujinami got three in the first period, then ended the match at 3:37 with two more in the second period.

After the match, Fujinami exchanged a poignant hug with Yepez. "Thinking back to our last match, it motivated me in practice," Fujinami said. "She's one of the athletes who has inspired me. I wanted to convey my thanks to her."

Fujinami had the pleasure of winning the gold in front of her parents, with her father Toshikazu having the best seat in the house. He was in her corner at matside, ostensibly as a national team coach but more as her private mentor.

Toshikazu has been her coach since she started wrestling at age 4, even following her to Tokyo from their home in central Japan to take a coaching position when she enrolled at powerhouse Nippon Sports Science University (among her other coaches there is a four-time Olympic gold medalist Kaori ICHO).

The two share an apartment, with dad also filling the unfamiliar role of cook. They have their share of clashes, but the combination has been working on the mat. Their joy of success is mutual. Those were his arms she leaped into after her victory.

"There are times we've clashed and had our share of arguments, but if my father wasn't with me, I would not be here today," said Fujinami, whose mother and grandmother watched the Paris final in the stands. "He's the person I owe the most gratitude."

For the two-time world champion, a recent spate of injuries have been all that has kept her from piling up more wins and titles. She skipped the 2022 World Championships due to a foot injury and participated in no pre-Olympic tournaments this year after suffering a dislocated elbow and undergoing surgery in March.

"It's the greatest of feelings [to win the gold], and everyone talks about the winning streak and it may look like it was smooth sailing, but when I had surgery in March, there were times when I thought it might be impossible," Fujinami said.

"To get the gold medal today, I feel that everything that I went through seemed necessary, and the injury was an experience that led to this shining moment."

She also credited the large contingent of Japanese fans, friends and teammates who have supported her along the way.

"I absolutely know that I didn't fight with just my own power," Fujinami said. "The many people cheering me on and supporting me brought me here today. I feel this is a gold medal that we all fought for and we all won together."

Fujinami's last defeat came in the finals at the 2017 National Junior High School Championships, when she fell 7-2 to Umi ITO (JPN). She made her senior debut with a victory at the 2020 All-Japan Championships and won her first senior world title the following year.

For Yepez, making history for Ecuador caused her to become emotional on the medal podium.

"A lot of things came to my mind, like when I was 10 years old, I battled a lot for this result," she said. "We have very few resources. My mother worked all day to pay expenses. Maybe one time I will get the gold medal. But this girl who was 10 years old is now an Olympic medalist."

Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI)Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) celebrates after winning the gold medal in the 67kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

In the Greco 67kg final, Esmaeili, two years removed from a world U20 championship and less than a month after his 21st birthday, relegated Parviz NASIBOV (UKR) to a second straight silver medal with a second-period surge.

Nasibov fought off an arm throw to score a takedown in the first period before adding a passivity point to lead 3-0 at the break. Esmaeili struck back quickly in the second period, getting behind for a takedown within seconds, then went ahead on criteria with a passivity point. Like Nasibov, he was unable to get a turn from par terre.

Nasibov regained the advantage with a takedown, but Esmaeili stuffed a throw attempt for a 2-point exposure to lead on criteria 6-6. An unsuccessful challenge made it 7-6, which is how it ended as Esmaeili joined Greco 97kg champ Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) as Iran's lone gold medalist in Paris.

“Thanks to God for achieving this medal," said Esmaeili, who defeated Tokyo Olympic champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) in a playoff to earn his ticket to Paris.

"If you follow wrestling you know how difficult it is, and in the last two years, it has also been difficult because I lost some relatives, and I withdrew from wrestling. I was able to put everything behind me and achieve this gold medal."

As for his new-found status as the rising star of Greco, Esmaeili commented, "It’s a big honor to be called 'a new talent,' and I’m humbled. I have to make more effort to win more medals.”

For Nasibov, there are deeper concerns than having to settle for a second silver medal as his country continues its defense against the Russian aggressor.

"It's hard to find the right words," he said. "While I feel joy, the people who defend my country, my family, are at war. I am sharing this precious medal with the people who defend our country."

Semen NOVIKOV (BUL)Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) dominated Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) in the 87kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari) 

At Greco 87kg, Novikov had been competing in the shadow of compatriot and two-time Olympic medalist Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) when he decided to make a career move by changing his citizenship.

The 26-year-old became naturalized in Bulgaria in 2022, and two years later, ironically shared an Olympic podium with Beleniuk, albeit on a higher step after defeating Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) 7-4 in the final.

"I dreamed about this when I was a child to one day be an Olympic champion," Novikov said. "The dream has come true."

In the final, Novikov started his charge to the gold with a gut wrench from par terre for a 3-0 lead. He received a second passivity point in the second period and, while he wasn't able to convert, he kept continual pressure on Mohmadipiani and tacked on three stepouts.

"The final fight was very good for me," Novikov said, adding, "Yesterday was harder in the semifinal," referring to his 3-1 win over world champion David LOSONCZI (HUN).

Before becoming Bulgaria's first Olympic wrestling champion in 24 years, Novikov had already been quite productive for his adopted country. He won bronze medals at both the World and European Championships in 2023, and picked up international wins this year in Antalya and Budapest.

Zhan BELENIUK (UKR)Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) announced his retirement after winning the bronze medal at 87kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Beleniuk completes Olympic set with bronze

While it was not his actual goal coming into Paris, Beleniuk completed the set of Olympic medals when he won the bronze at Greco 87kg with a 3-1 victory over Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL).

Beleniuk, the gold medalist in Tokyo and silver medalist at Rio 2016, got a gut wrench from par terre, then held out when Kulynycz had a second chance with a minute to go in the match.

"My main goal was to show a good result and medal," Beleniuk said. "Our Ukrainian athletes aren't just athletes who fight for some medals. We should spend the time here to share information about Ukraine because the war continues, and we should share support with our audience and partners in this war."

There will be no fourth Olympic medal for the 33-year-old two-time world champion, as he left his shoes on the mat after the match as the latest star of the sport announcing his retirement in this traditional way at the Games.

"For me, it's enough," Beleniuk said. "It's a good time to retire."

The other Greco 87kg bronze went to Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN), who could only manage a stepout on a throw attempt during a second chance at par terre, but it was enough for a 2-1 victory over Losonczi.

Bisultanov, the 2022 European champion who defeated Losonczi in the final of the 2023 Zagreb Open, became just the second Olympic medalist for Denmark since 1948 after Mark MADSEN (DEN) won a Greco silver at Rio 2016.

The bronze medals at Greco 67kg went to the finalists from last year's World Championships in Belgrade, Luis ORTA (CUB) and Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE), who both posted one-sided victories.

Orta, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist at 60kg who won the world title in his move up to the next Olympic weight, will go home with a second Olympic medal after a dominant 7-0 victory over Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM).

As for whether he will try for a third medal, Orta responded, "First I simply want to enjoy my medal with my teammates and with my family, my son, and then I will think about Los Angeles [in 2028]."

Two-time reigning European champion Jafarov scored a takedown in the opening seconds and never let up, rolling to an 8-0 victory over Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) to add the Olympic Greco 67kg bronze to his world silver from last year and bronze from 2022.

At women's 53kg, Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) gave the DPR Korea its first-ever Olympic women's wrestling medal with a 10-0 victory over Annika WENDLE (GER), who could offer little resistance after suffering a knee injury early in the contest.

Wendle twisted her knee during a Choe takedown less than 20 seconds into the match. After an extended period of treatment, she continued, but to no avail. Choe did not attack the injured limb, but easily got behind on four straight takedowns to end the match at 1:36.

Qianyu PANG (CHN), the Tokyo silver medalist, took home the other bronze when she defeated Khulan BATKHYAG (MGL) by fall in a match that saw plenty of action despite lasting just 1:05.

Pang opened up with a double-leg takedown to the back for 4, and Batkhyag responded with a nice ankle pick for a takedown. But as she tried to lever Pang over, the Chinese suddenly reversed the situation and landed chest-to-chest on top of Batkhyag for a quick fall.

"I don't find anything regretful because I give it my all each and every time," Pang said of having to settle for a bronze. "I will regroup and continue to train because I love wrestling."

Day 4 Results

Freestyle

57kg
SF1: Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) df. AMAN (IND) by TF, 10-0, 2:14
SF2: Spencer LEE (USA) df. Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) by TF, 14-4, 2:43

86kg
SF1: Magomed RAMAZANOV (BUL) df. Aaron BROOKS (USA), 4-3
SF2: Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) df. Myles AMINE (SMR), 7-1

Greco-Roman

67kg
GOLD: Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) df. Parviz NASIBOV (UKR), 6-5

BRONZE: Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) df. Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) by TF, 8-0, 2:14
BRONZE: Luis ORTA (CUB) df. Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM), 7-0

87kg
GOLD: Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) df. Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI), 7-4

BRONZE: Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) df. Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL), 3-1
BRONZE: Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) df. David LOSONCZI (HUN), 2-1

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) df. Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) by TF, 10-0, 3:37

BRONZE: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) df. Annika WENDLE (GER) by TF, 10-0, 1:36
BRONZE: Qianyu PANG (CHN) df. Khulan BATKHYAG (MGL) by Fall, 1:05 (6-2)

57kg
SF1: Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) df. Helen MAROULIS (USA), 10-5
SF2: Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) df. Kexin HONG (CHN) by Fall, 1:37 (2-7)

#WrestleAmman

Asian Championships 2025 GR Day 2 Finals Set

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - 08:14 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

Share this article

AMMAN, Jordan (March 24) -- Asian Championships 2025 enters day two with Greco-Roman weights 60kg, 67kg, 72kg, 82kg and 130kg wrestlers on the mat. Uzbekistan won three gold medals on day one with Iran and Japan winning one each. 

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 1 RESULTS

97kg gold medal bout: Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) vs Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN)

14:32: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN) earns a shot at the Olympic champion in the 97kg final by edging Youfang ZHANG (CHN) 3-2. The two traded stepouts with a fleeing point added on, with Nakazato's coming second to put him ahead on criteria 2-2. Nakazato gets the passivity point in the second period and opts to remain the standing position. It doesn't result in any more points for him, but neither is Zhang able to break through the Japanese wrestler's defenses. 

14:25: Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) storms into the 97kg final with a technical superiority win over NITESH (IND). He scores a takedown and then gets the par terre advantage. Nitesh defends the first attempt for gut but Saravi persists and turns, which breaks Nitesh and Saravi adds two suplexes, both for two points each.

82kg gold medal bout: Omar SATAYEV (KAZ) vs. Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI)

14:20: Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI) gets a stepout and a fortunate call on a challenge to defeat former compatriot Shahin BADAGHIMOFRAD (QAT) 4-3 and advance to the 82kg final. Badaghimofrad gets the first chance at par terre, but Naghousi reverses, then receives a second point when the Qatari unsuccessfully challenges for a foul. With Naghousi up 2-1 in the second period, Badaghimofrad retakes the lead with a nice go-behind takedown. In the final seconds, Naghousi uses a slick duck under to a body lock, but has to settle for a stepout. Iran challenges for a fleeing point, and they get it! With eight seconds left, a stunned Badaghimofrad lets the time run out with no effort. 

14:11: Unheralded Omar SATAYEV (KAZ) rocks defending champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) in the 82kg semifinal with two big throws and a fall. Satayev, leading 2-0, hit a big counter throw for four and then headlock for four. He held Yoshida on the mat and secured a first-period fall.

72kg gold medal bout: Danial SOHRABI (IRI) vs Abdullo ALIEV (UZB)

14:07: Abdullo ALIEV (UZB) assures he will improve on his bronze medal from a year ago when he defeats Issei HONNA (JPN) 6-1 to advance to the 72kg final. Aliev starts fast and hard with a takedown followed by a roll and a 2-point throw for a quick 6-0 lead. Honna picks up a point when Uzbekistan unsuccessfully challenges a possible takedown that would have ended the match. In the second period, there are no scoring chances nor passivity calls.

13:59: Danial SOHRABI (IRI) gets the par terre and then turns Ji LENG (CHN), gets the suplex for four before adding another roll to win 9-0 and enter the final at 72kg.

67kg gold medal bout: Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) vs Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ)

13:55: There was no second miracle comeback for 2023 Asian Games champion Katsuaki ENDO (JPN), who falls 5-1 to Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) in the 67kg semifinals. Beishekeev, looking to avenge a quarterfinal loss to Endo at the Asian Games, starts strong with a 4-point throw from par terre. Endo gets his chance in the second period and, although he lifts Beishekeev off the mat, he can't get the leverage for a turn. Beishekeev manages to run out the clock and earn a chance to add an Asian gold to his silver from last year and bronze in 2023. 

13:50: In the Iran-Uzbekistan battle which Uzbekistan won yesterday, Iran seems to dominate it today. The 67kg semifinal between Olympic champion Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) and Nozimjon BOYKUZIEV (UZB) ends in Esmaeili winning 8-0. Esmaeili scored a takedown, added another before rolling Boykuziev for the win.

60kg gold medal bout: Se Ung RI (IRI) vs Alisher GANIEV (UZB)

13:40: Pouya NASERPOUR (IRI) defended the par terre position in the first period against Se Ung RI (PRK) in the 60kg semifinal but Ri isn't waiting for par terre advantages in the second period. He scores a takedown and then blocks a arm-throw attempt from Nasepour for another two points and leads 5-0. However, after a review among the referees, the arm-throw is scored four points for Naserpour and then a takedown for Ri who now leads 6-4. Naserpour with a deperate attempt to score but Ri circles for go-behind and wins 8-4. He will face Alisher GANIEV (UZB) in the final.

13:34: Alisher GANIEV (UZB) starts his 60kg semifinal against Akyl SULAIMANOV (KGZ) in good form, using a duck under for a takedown and immediately going to a gut wrench for a 4-0 lead. Ganiev gets the passivity call, and he wastes no time hitting a 2-point throw, then repeats the move. Sulaimanov, knowing it's over, doesn't resist and officially the match ends in a fall at 2:04.

Semifinals at 13:30 local time

13:18: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN) puts in the strides and works for an 8-0 win against Melis AITBEKOV (KGZ) to enter 97kg semifinal

13:18: Omar SATAYEV (KAZ) hits a pair of 4-point rolling flip throws to knock off Boseong KANG (KOR) 11-0 in the 82kg quarterfinals. That earns Satayev a final-four clash with defending champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN).

13:14: Two-time Asian U23 medalist and 2022 world U23 bronze medalist NITESH (IND), looking for his first senior medal, gets off to a good start, rolling Ilyas GUCHIGOV (KAZ) four times from par terre for a 9-0 victory in 1:58 and place in the 97kg semifinals.

13:12: Akyl SULAIMANOV (KGZ) chalks up a quick 4 points against Aslamjon AZIZOV (TJK) in their 60kg quarterfinal, then holds on for a 4-3 victory.  

13:10: Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI) gets a second chance at par terre and manages to turn Bekzat ORUNKUL UULU (KGZ), with another point tacked on for an unsuccessful challenge, for a 4-1 win and a place in the 82kg semifinals. At best, Orunkul Uulu can only aim for a second straight bronze medal

13:10: Olympic champion Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI), in his first competition after Paris, opens with an 8-0 technical superiority win over Amanberdi AGAMAMMEDOV (TKM) and enters the semifinals at 97kg

13:04: Youfang ZHANG (CHN) blocks an attempted turn from Bekhruz BARNOEV (UZB) in par terre and wins the 97kg bout 5-1. Zhang had built a 3-1 lead from par terre in the first period.

13:03: Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ), looking to improve on his silver medal from a year ago,  proves too much for NEERAJ (IND), storming to a 9-0 victory in less than two minutes in their 67kg quarterfinal.

13:00: Paris Olympic gold medalist and defending Asian champion Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) gets his campaign started at 67kg with a 10-4 win in the quarterfinals over Man Gwang SON (PRK). Esmaeili gives up an early takedown, but gets down to work, scoring a stepout and a takedown to take the lead, then adds a takedown-roll combination to go into the break leading 7-2. Esmaeili starts the second period with a stepout, before Son fights back with a takedown to cut the lead to 8-4. But Esmaeili gains another takedown before running out the clock. 

12:58: World U23 champion Alisher GANIEV (UZB) breaks open a close match in the second period before securing a victory by fall over Ziyue XI (CHN) to advance to the semifinals at 60kg. 

12:55: Shahin BADAGHI (QAT) gets four gut-wrenches after put in par terre to win 8-0 against RAHUL (IND) and advance at 82kg.

12:50: Likui SHI (CHN) kept defending champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) quiet in the first period of their 82kg bout with Yoshida getting only one point for par terre. However, Shi tried a bodylock but Yoshida put him on the back for two points, a turn added two more as Yoshida won 5-0.

12:48: Issei HONNA (JPN) spots Yryskeldi KHAMZAEV (KGZ) to start their 72kg quarterfinal, but hits a dazzling back suplex that sends Khazaev sailing into the air and onto his back, where Honna secures the fall. 

12:47: A classic high-octane matchup is up on Mat C between Paris Olympic bronze medalist Se Ung RI (PRK) and Kaito INABA (JPN) for a place in the 60kg semifinals. Ri takes the lead by getting behind for a takedown, then gets the top in par terre. Ri adds a roll to go up 5-0. Inaba gets a pair of stepouts on each side of the break, but Ri comes roaring back with a pair of arm throws, one for 2 points and the second for 4 that is upheld on challenge. In the end, a 12-2 win for Ri. 

12:42: In the final qualification-round match, Bekhruz BARNOEV (UZB) overwhelms Ibrahim FALLATAH (KSA) for a 9-0 victory to earn a spot in the 97kg quarterfinals. 

12:42: Pouya NASERPOUR (IRI) builds a 6-2 lead over SUMIT (IND) in the 60kg quarterfinal and there is no more action in the second period and Naserpour is the winner as he advances to the semifinal.

12:37: The tournament gets an early Iran-Uzbekistan match-up as world U23 champion Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI) takes on 2024 Asian bronze medalist Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) in the qualification round at 82kg. Rasulov gets the passivity point in the first period, but can't add to his tally. In the second period, Naghousi gets his chance, and he also fails to turn his opponent. Neither can break the other's defenses the rest of the way and Naghousi advances with a 1-1 win on criteria. 

12:30: Katsuaki ENDO (JPN) needs to thank his coach and the challenge as he mounts an incredible comeback from 7-0 down to stun Lei LI (CHN) in their 67kg quarterfinal and win 9-7. Li scored a stepout and then got par terre . He scored a turn to lead 4-0. A suplex was awarded four points and Endo was docked two points for foul with Li declared 10-0 winner. Japan challenged the call and on review, Li's last throw was only a two-pointer with no foul. Endo, down 6-0, got par terre in the second period, went for the grand amplitude throw to make it 7-6 and added two turns to win 9-7. Incredible bout!

12:29: Abdullo ALIEV (UZB), the other returning bronze medalist at 72kg, opens with a 2-point throw from par terre against Begmyrat NOBATOV (TKM) for a 3-0 lead. Nobotov gets his chance in the second period, but can't budge Aliev. Aliev adds a stepout and he's into the semifinals with a 4-1 win.

12:23: Returning bronze medalist Ji LENG (CHN) gets a 4-point throw from par terre in the second period and advances at 72kg with a 5-1 win over Loiqi AMIRKHONZODA (TJK).

12:21: Two-time former bronze medalist NEERAJ (IND) hangs on for a 3-1 win over Ali ALBIDHAN (IRQ) to secure a place in the last eight at 67kg.

12:15: Danial SOHRABI (IRI) had to wait on the sidelines of the mat for his 72kg quarterfinals against Kuldeep MALIK (IND) but doesn't take his time on the mat and finishes the bout 8-0. Takedown, exposure and two rolls are enough for the win.

12:14: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN), a 2023 world U23 bronze medalist, storms to a 12-1 win over Jewoo PARK (KOR) to advance to the 97kg quarterfinals.  

12:10: The 97kg bout between Eduard BABENOSHEV (TJK) and Amanberdi AGAMAMMEDOV (TKM) goes to the second period but 49 seconds in, Agamammedov wins 9-0 and enters the quarterfinals at 97kg.

12:07: Meirzhan SHERMAKHANBET (KAZ), the 2022 champion at 67kg and a former world bronze medalist, starts his campaign with an 11-5 to Minseong KWON (KOR). Shermakhanbet gets a 4-point lift-and-dump throw from par terre, but then has to spend nearly 20 seconds fighting off his back after Kwon slams him to the mat with a 4-point bear hug. Kwon is given an additional 2 points for a leg foul to lead 6-5.  Kwon gets the passivity call in the second period and all but ends any chance for a comeback by adding a 4-point throw.

12:05: RAHUL (IND) battles out of a 7-point hole to defeat Habibjon ZUHUROV (TJK) 10-7 and advance at 82kg.

12:00: Another bout over in first period. Likui SHI (CHN) gets the par terre and then rolls to a 9-0 win over Toyly ORAZOV (TKM) in just over a minute at 82kg.

11:57: In a wild match at 72kg, Adilkhan SATAYEV (KAZ) trails on criteria 2-2 in the second period when he hits Yryskeldi KHAMZAEV (KGZ) with a 4-point front headlock. Khazaev fights out of near fall and reverses for 2. Kyrgyzstan challenges for a foul, but is unsuccessful, giving Satayev a 7-4 lead, only to see Khazaev bull him to the mat for a takedown, a move upheld on challenge, leaving Satayev ahead 7-7 on criteria. The instant the match resumes, Khamzaev charges Satayev straight to his back for 4 and he holds on for an 11-7 win.

11:55: SUMIT (IND) could not turn Minwoo KIM (KOR) from par terre in the first period but manages to roll to a 9-0 win and advance at 60kg.

11:49: Mat A is moving quickly! Man Gwang SON (PRK) rolls to a 9-0 win over Mcclaren Ravin MARREN (SGP) at 67kg and then former world U23 champion Katsuaki ENDO (JPN) needs only four minutes to beat Sunat ABDULLOEV (TJK) 9-0 at 67kg.

11:47: Kaito INABA (JPN), the silver medalist at 60kg a year ago in Bishkek, gets a 2-point exposure from par terre for a 3-0 lead over Bakytzhan KABDYL (KAZ), then counters an arm spin for a 2-point takedown. In the second period, he shrugs behind for 2, then ends the match by twisting Kabdyl over from the standing position for a 9-0 win.

11:45: Begmyrat NOBATOV (TKM) builds up to a 9-0 win over Ahmed M BARAHMAH (KSA) in the 72kg bout and wins via technical superiority in two minutes and five seconds.

11:40: Loiqi AMIRKHONZODA (TJK) with a headlock throw against JASON BAUCAS (PHI) and then holds Baucas in the danger position till the break as the referees calls them to return to their corners. The score is 8-0 and Amirkhonzoda is the winner.

11:38: Seyed SOHRABI (IRI) gets Iran started with an 8-0 victory over Omar AL DARAGHMEH (JOR) at 72kg that he ends just before the end of the first period.

11:36: Will we see another young Japanese with little international experience take home a gold? Issei HONNA (JPN) hits a 4-point throw and goes on to quickly defeat Yeonghun NOH (KOR) 8-0 at 72kig.