Russia Goes 3 for 3 to Complete Olympic Lineup; Mongolian Miracle Adds Another Full Team

Friday, May 7, 2021 - 20:31 By Ken Marantz

SOFIA, Bulgaria (May 7) -- Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RUS) was on her way to becoming the lone Russian to fail to qualify her weight class for the upcoming Olympics. Instead, she will be on her way to Tokyo as part of a full contingent thanks to a dramatic late victory.

Chumikova dug out of a six-point hole against Grace BULLEN (NOR) with a nifty lateral drop that led to a fall in the final minute of their thrilling 57kg semifinal at the final world Olympic qualifying tournament on Friday night in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Chumikova's win, combined with one-sided victories by Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) at 53kg and Liubov OVCHAROVA (RUS) at 62kg, means that Russia has joined Olympic host Japan, China and the United States -- and moments earlier, Mongolia -- in fielding a full team in all six women's weight classes at the Tokyo Games.

"It's one of the happiest days for the Russian team as the whole team is going to the Olympics," Ovcharova said of the feat, which came a day after the men filled their final opening in freestyle.

Mongolia joined the elite group thanks to a second miraculous victory of the tournament by Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL), who filled her country's lone remaining open spot at 62kg.

"I am very happy and it's a great job for my Mongolia to qualify six out of six," Khurelkhuu said. "I will train hard and win in Tokyo."

Ecuador earned its lone Olympic place in any style from Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) at 50kg, as the South American nation was among 10 different countries that grabbed the berths that went to the two semifinal winners in each weight class at the last-chance tournament.

On a night of high drama, the clash between Chumikova, the newly crowned European champion at 59kg, and 2020 European gold medalist Bullen was of Olympic quality and intensity.

After Bullen came out firing and gained a quick stepout, Chumikova used an effective fireman's carry for a pair of takedowns and a 4-1 lead going into the second period.

But Bullen, who moved to Norway as a South Sudanese refugee at age four, showed her resilience and determination by coming back with a driving takedown, a pair of two-point gut wrenches and a four-point back trip to go ahead 12-6.

With time running out, Chumikova nailed a perfectly timed lateral drop to slam Bullen onto her back. Bullen bridged desperately, but Chumikova, who still trailed 12-10, pressed down and secured the fall at 5:28.

"The last period my coach just said that to trust myself and believe it doesn't matter if I am losing 6-12," a tearful Chumikova said. "I managed to perform the technique I had never done before.

"For me this is a huge moment to qualify for the Olympics. I missed the Russian Championships but I hope all the mistakes I did here will help me. I had a lot of emotions in the semifinals and I knew this is the reward if I win. This is unbelievable and that's why I am crying."

Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) World Olympic Qualifier — Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) won the Olympic quota for Mongolia at 62kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

A similar scenario played out a short time later at 62kg, when Asian silver medalist Khurelkhuu fell behind 9-1 against European bronze medalist Veranika IVANOVA (BLR), who had a pair of four-point moves in the first period.

In the second period, Khurelkhuu scored a takedown and 2-point exposure to cut the gap before applying a chicken wing to turn Ivanova over and win by fall at 4:44.

"I was losing during the bout, but before it I had only promised myself to win," Khurelkhuu said. "So I was just looking for a win despite the score being 1-9. That's why I got it by pin."

It was deja vu all over again for Khurelkhuu, who used the same technique in the quarterfinals to vanquish Nathaly GRIMAN (VEN) after trailing 6-1.

"That's my favorite move," Khurelkuu said. "It's 'tur-tur' in Mongolian. If you want to pin, it's the key to it."

In the other 62kg semifinal, Russia's Ovcharova cruised to an 8-0 victory over Luisa NIEMESCH (GER). Ovcharova, a 2020 European and 2019 world bronze medalist at 59kg, opened with a four-point back suplex, to which she added a 2-point roll, then topped with a second-period takedown.

"It was not easy at all for me because at the European [qualifier] I was able to win only one bout," Ovcharova said. "But my coaches believed in me. The Olympics is the dream of every athlete and I achieved mine today.

"The life of an athlete is not too long and we have only one chance to win and we can't miss it."

Andreea ANA (ROU) added to the drama -- unfortunately in a spectator-less Arena Armeec Sport Hall -- when she pulled off a last-second 4-2 victory over Samantha STEWART (CAN) at 53kg.

After the two traded first-period takedowns, Ana, a European bronze medalist at 55kg, trailed on last-point criteria when she caught Stewart with a driving double-leg takedown with just five seconds remaining to steal the victory.

"This was my dream and I am so happy to achieve it," said Ana, a two-time world U23 bronze medalist. "I hope I will fight good at the Olympics."

Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) World Olympic Qualifier — Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) after winning the 50kg semifinal in Sofia. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

European champion Khoroshavteva got the Russian juggernaut going in the second semifinal at 53kg, when she overwhelmed Betzabeth ARGUELLO (VEN) by 11-0 technical fall.

Khoroshavtseva, a 2019 world bronze medalist at 55kg, scored the majority of her points on counters to Arguello's attacks, which could not pierce the Russian's defenses.

At 76kg, revenge was on the menu and it tasted sweet for 2018 world silver medalist Yasemin ADAR (TUR) when she cruised to a 10-1 victory over 2019 European silver medalist Martina KUENZ (AUT).

Last month, Kuenz knocked Adar out of the European Olympic qualifying tournament in Budapest with a late fall in the quarterfinals. This time, Adar had the upper hand, and put the match away in the second period with a takedown and three rolls off a lace lock.

"I am very proud of myself and the whole team," Adar said. "In Budapest, we had a problem that my coach was COVID positive and could not come and I missed him in the corner. I thought there was something missing. I was not 100 percent there. In this bout he was here and I am so proud."

In the other 76kg semifinal, Alla BELINSKA (UKR) gave Ukraine its fifth Olympic women's ticket when she outclassed Maria ACOSTA (VEN) 8-0 in the final match of the session.

Belinska, this year's European champion at 72kg, scored a driving takedown and two stepouts in the first period, then added a pair of takedowns in the second to deny Venezuela its last chance for a women's Olympic berth.

India will now have four women in Tokyo thanks to a solid effort from Asian bronze medalist Seema BISLA (IND), who edged Anna LUKASIAK (POL) 2-1 at 50kg.

Bisla scored a shrug-by takedown just moments after giving up an activity point, and that accounted for all of the scoring as she held on for the victory.

"This bout was very tough for me because this was my last chance. My coaches and everyone back home were waiting for me to qualify and they were confident as well," said Bisla, who came up short in the Asian qualifying tournament in Almaty.

"In Almaty, I was ready but I don't know [what happened], the travel and then I had reduced my weight to 50kg after a long time. Despite that I was trying to motivate myself that I will qualify but my body did not work there. But before coming here, I was confident that I will qualify."

Her coach, Kuldeep MALIK, said he was impressed with her performance.

"She had one of her best days, I have seen this type of defense from Seema after a long time and to counter and win two points was good," Malik said. "Her attack was good but defense was better."

Ecuador can certainly be proud of the effort turned in by Yepez, who held on for a nail-biting 6-6 win on big-point criteria over Patricia BERMUDEZ (ARG) in an all-South American clash in the other 50kg semifinal.

Yepez went ahead in the first period with a single-leg takedown and nifty 4-point reverse spin throw. Bermudez, a two-time Olympian, used an effective arm throw to tie the score with three 2-point moves, but it wasn't enough to trump the 4-pointer.

The other Olympic spot at 57kg was earned by Mathilde RIVIERE (FRA), who gave France just its second ticket to Tokyo by scoring a takedown in each period and handily defeating Giullia OLIVEIRA (BRA) 5-1.

Earning the berths at 68kg were 2020 European champion Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) and Elis MANOLOVA (AZE), the 2020 European silver medalist at 65kg.

Hristova started off with four points off a cradle in a manhandling of Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE), finishing off a 12-2 technical fall with :04 left in the match, while Manolova scored a takedown and roll early on before defeating Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) 5-3.

The tournament continues Saturday with the Greco-Roman competition.

Day 2 results

Women's Wrestling

50kg
SEMIFINAL - Seema BISLA (IND) df. Anna LUKASIAK (POL), 2-1
SEMIFINAL - Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) df. Patricia BERMUDEZ (ARG), 6-6

53kg
SEMIFINAL - Andreea ANA (ROU) df. Samantha STEWART (CAN), 4-2
SEMIFINAL - Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) df. Betzabeth ARGUELLO (VEN) by TF, 11-0, 3:39

57kg
SEMIFINAL - Mathilde RIVIERE (FRA) df. Giullia OLIVEIRA (BRA), 5-1
SEMIFINAL - Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RUS) df. Grace BULLEN (NOR) by Fall, 5:28 (10-12)

62kg
SEMIFINAL - Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) df. Veranika IVANOVA (BLR) by Fall, 4:44 (5-9)
SEMIFINAL - Liubov OVCHAROVA (RUS) df. Luisa NIEMESCH (GER), 8-0

68kg
SEMIFINAL - Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), 5-3
SEMIFINAL - Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) df. Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE) by TF, 12-2, 5:56

76kg
SEMIFINAL - Yasemin ADAR (TUR) df. Martina KUENZ (AUT), 10-1
SEMIFINAL - Alla BELINSKA (UKR) df. Maria ACOSTA (VEN), 8-0

2026 Muhamet Malo

Muhamet Malo 2026 Day 2 Results: Sadulaev Beats Khaniev; Iran Wins 2 Golds

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 23:08 By Vinay Siwach

TIRANA, Albania (February 26) -- The Feti Borova Arena has now witness two of the most epic comeback from Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW).

In 2024, he marked his return from injury with his sixth world title, one which he won by going down to 92kg and shocking the world with a buzzer-beating win over Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI).

The second was on Thursday. In his first international tournament since the world title, Sadulaev returned to 97kg and won the gold medal at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series.

Sadualev's return to competition was much talked about as he entered the tournament which had the likes of his long-time rival and world champion Kyle SNYDER (USA), up-and-coming star Mukhamed KHANIEV (UWW), Olympic bronze medalist Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE), former world champion Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) and other world medalists.

While his fifth match against Snyder was denied after the American lost to Khaniev in the quarterfinals, Sadulaev was met with a stiffer challenger in Khaniev.

Mukhamed KHANIEV (UWW) defeated Kyle SNYDER (USA) in the 97kg quarterfinals. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

The U23 world silver medalist defeated Snyder 10-4 and then took out Magomedov in the semifinal to set up a clash against Sadulaev. The winner would also book his spot for the European Championships, to be held at the same arena in April.

Sadulaev was checked by Khaniev in the first period but a double-leg blast helped the former take a 4-0 lead. Khaniev cut it to 4-2 but a watchful Sadulaev never allowed him to dictate the pace of the bout.

Keeping Khaniev at an arm's length, Sadulaev scored three counter takedowns while giving up two stepouts to win final, 10-4, and lock his spot for the European Championships.

Abdulla KURBANOV (UWW) works on Mason PARRIS (USA) during the 125kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

In other Freestyler results, Abdulla KURBANOV (UWW) clinched the 125kg gold medal after an impressive 8-5 victory over world bronze medalist Mason PARRIS (USA) in the final.

While the score makes the final look close, Kurbanov was the better of the two wrestlers in the final, managing to tire Parris out in the final. He scored a four-pointer in his eight points and did not let Parris threaten his lead even one.

When the score was 7-3, Parris tried to score a takedown but Kurbanov scored a stepout on counter to make 8-3. He did give up a takedown in the final 10 seconds to avoid further risks in the final.

Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) defeated Dean HAMITI (USA) in the 79kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Iran Wins 2 Golds

After Yones EMAMI (IRI) won Iran's first gold medal on Wednesday, Iran added two more through Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) and Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) at 79kg and 92kg, respectively.

Nokhodi, who had struggled with a knee injury last season, seemed to have gained full fitness. He had no trouble in seeing off Dean HAMITI (USA), 10-0, in the final at 79kg.

The two-time world silver medalist scored three different takedowns and managed to turn Hamiti twice to accumulate his points in the gold medal bout.

Firouzpour, world bronze medalist in Zagreb, was in similar form as he defeated former world silver medalist Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), 11-1, in the 92kg final.

RESULTS

Freestyle

79kg
GOLD: Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) df. Dean HAMITI (USA) , 10-0

BRONZE: Dzhabrail GADZHIEV (AZE) df. Sagar JAGLAN (IND), 10-4
BRONZE: Luka CHKHITUNIDZE (GEO) df. Cameron AMINE (USA), 3-3

92kg
GOLD: Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) df. Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), 11-1

BRONZE: Ahmed BATAEV (BUL) df. Jacob CARDENAS (USA), 11-0
BRONZE: Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) df. Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ), 4-0

97kg
GOLD: Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) df. Mukhamed KHANIEV (UWW), 10-4

BRONZE: Kyle SNYDER (USA) df. Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE), via inj. def.
BRONZE: Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) df. Jointy KUMAR (IND), 10-0

125kg
GOLD: Abdulla KURBANOV (UWW) df. Mason PARRIS (USA), 8-5

BRONZE: Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) df. Hakan BUYUKCINGIL (TUR), via fall
BRONZE: Kamil KOSCIOLEK (POL) df. Nursultan AZOV (KAZ), 4-2

Women's Wrestling

50kg
GOLD: Zeinep BAYANOVA (KAZ) df. Priyanshi PRAJAPAT (IND), 13-2

BRONZE: MUSKAN (IND) df. Kendra RYAN (USA), 10-0
BRONZE: Erin GOLSTON (USA) df. Valeriia TIUKPIEKOVA (UWW), 4-2

55kg
GOLD: Laura ALMAGANBETOVA (KAZ) df. Liliia MALANCHUK (UKR), 3-2

BRONZE: Anastasia BLAYVAS (GER) df. PUSHPA (IND), 3-2
BRONZE: Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) df. Beatrice FERENT (ROU), 10-0

Morning Session Highlights

Women's Wrestling

14:50: 55kg semifinals - Liliia MALANCHUK (UKR) with a takedown with four seconds left to beat European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) at 55kg. Trailing 3-1, she got Verbina down on the edge to take a 3-3 criteria lead. Verbina challenged only to lose it and drop the semifinal 4-3.

Malanchuk will face Laura ALMAGANBETOVA (KAZ) in the final after the Kazakhstan wrestler pinned Anastasia BLAYVAS (GER).

14:40: 50kg semifinals - Asian bronze medalist Zeinep BAYANOVA (KAZ) with an excellent win over MUSKAN (IND) at 50kg. She uses the snap to score three different takedowns to lead 8-1 at the break. She shoots an early takedown and then a turn to finish the bout 12-1.

She will another Indian, Priyanshi PARAJAPAT (IND), in the final after the Indian pinned Valeriia TIUKPIEKOVA (UWW)

Freestyle

14:35: 125kg semifinals - Mason PARRIS (USA) dumps Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) for four points to complete a stunning 14-3 win at 125kg. He will face a stiff challenge in the final against Abdulla KURBANOV (UWW), who defeated Kamil KOSCIOLEK (POL), 9-1.

14:25: 97kg semifinals - Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) is so quick! He opens with a fireman's carry to throw Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) and then turns two times to lead 8-0. A reversal gives Aitmukhan a point before he adds a stepout to make it 8-2. Sadulaev scores a takedown and then manages only a point when Aitmukhan defends a takedown but goes out of bounds. Sadulaev leads 11-2 at the break. Aitmukhan manages a stepout but Sadulaev hits a front headlock turn for two points to complete a 13-3 victory. Aitmukhan asks for a stepout with a challenges but loses it, making Sadulaev's score 14-3

Sadulaev will have Mukhammed KHANIEV (UWW) in the final with spot in the European Championships spot on the line. Khaniev, who defeated Kyle SNYDER (USA) in the quarters, gets a 10-0 victory over Magomedkhan MOGAMEDOV (AZE) in the semifinals.

14:15: 92kg semifinals - Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) works on several different takedowns and shuts down Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ), 10-0, in the semifinal. Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) will challenge Firouzpour in the final after he beats Ahmed BATAEV (BUL), 4-0. Two points for two passivity calls against Bataev and a takedown from Maisuradze to complete the victory.

14:00: 79kg semifinals - Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) takes 35 seconds to beat Sagar JAGLAN (IND), 10-0, using a gut-wrench. Nokhodi will face Dean HAMITI (USA) for the gold medal. Cameron AMINE (USA) and Dean HAMITI (USA) opened the semis with fireworks with the latter taking a 4-2 lead. However, they both wore down. Hamiti hangs on for a 5-3 win.

Semifinals will begin with 79kg. Followed by 92kg, 97kg and 125kg. Women's Wrestling will follow with 50kg and 55kg

13:45: In the last quarterfinal, Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) beats Benjamin HONIS (ITA), 13-0 and sets up a semifinal against Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) at 97kg

So far, Mukhammed KHANIEV (UWW) stunned world champion Kyle SNYDER (USA) in the quarterfinals at 97kg with a 10-4 victory, denying a final between Snyder and Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW).

Sadulaev on the other hand has made it to the semifinals with in what has looked like a rather easy outing. If he faces Khaniev in the final, the winner will go the the European Championships.

13:20: Abdulrashid SADULAEV (USA) had worked up an 8-0 lead inside the first minute but Nurdaulet BEKENOV (KAZ) injured his elbow in that exchange with Sadulaev. Initially looked a serious injury but Bekenov manages to stand up, holding his elbow. Sadulaev into the semifinals at 97kg

13:10: Kyle SNYDER (USA) facing Mukhamed KHANIEV (UWW) in the quarterfinals at 97kg. Khaniev is called passive and he gives up a point but manages to score exposure point in on exchange. Snyder with a stepout but Khaniev holds 2-2 criteria. Snyder open second period with two stepouts to take a 4-2 lead. Khaniev fires a leg-attack and converts it into a takedown to make it 4-4 and lead on criteria. He shoots another similar attack and scores another takedown before countering a fake shot from Snyder to make it 8-4 with less than a minute left. One way traffic as Khaniev manages to hold his ground against Snyder and complete a 10-4 victory to advance to the semifinals.

13:00: Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) got thrown for a four by Giorgi MESHDESHVILI (AZE) but he comes back with a takedown and powerful gut wrench to take an 11-4 lead. He then scores another takedown and turn to win 15-4. All in the first period at 125kg

12:50: Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) hands Dzhabrail GADZHIEV (AZE) a 7-2 loss at 79kg. Nokhodi led 4-0 at the break before working a takedown and another point. Gadzhiev managed to score a takedown at the buzzer but Nokhodi in total control of that match.

12:30: European champion and world silver medalist Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) keeps Aleksandra SKIRENKO (UWW) at a distance and wins 6-2 at 55kg. Slow start to the match before Verbina manages to open up and score takedowns.

12:22: World champion Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) returns to the same venue he won his sixth world title. He is facing Jointy KUMAR (IND) in his first bout. Sadulaev with patiently waits and doesn't get involved much. Kumar gets called passive in the first period and gives up a point. Sadulaev is quick and scores a takedown soon after and turns Kumar to lead 5-0. A fireman's takedown from Sadulaev and he secures the fall over Kumar to win his first bout at 97kg.

12:15: Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) with a quick victory over VICKY (IND) at 97kg. Four takedowns and two stepouts for a 10-0 blanking of the Indian wrestlers. Aitmukhan will face Benjamin HONIS (ITA) in the quarterfinals

12:10: Kyle SNYDER (USA) lost his balance and Radu LEFTER (MDA) used that moment to trip him for four which made the score line 5-4, though in favor of Snyder, in their 97kg bout. But Snyder worked on two more takedowns to beat Lefter 9-4 to reach the quarterfinals.

11:50: Former U23 European champion Giorgi IVANOV (BUL) dumps Trent HIGLER (USA) for a four-pointer in the first period and then control the bout thoroughly to win 7-2 at 125kg.

11:40: Mason PARRIS (USA) overcomes a 4-2 deficit in a very draining 125kg bout to beat Omar SAREM (ROU) and advances with a 15-5 victory. Parris was made to work hard for that win.

11:35: World silver medalist Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE) uses the gut-wrench and chalks up a 12-2 technical superiority win over Zyyamuhammet SAPAROV (TKM) at 125kg

11:25: SWEETY (IND) with a dominant 13-1 victory over Natalia WALCZAK (POL) at 50kg. Sweety in total control of that bout and she moves into the quarterfinals

11:15: Svenja JUNGO (SUI) with a late takedown to get a tough 3-1 victory over Agata GOLUCHOWSKA WALERZAK (POL) at 50kg. The Poland wrestler had a 1-1 criteria lead but Jungo with a match-winning takedown

11:00: At 92kg, Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) starts with a 9-2 win over Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ). Firouzpour hit a four-pointer when Dauletbekov was trying to scamper out of a tie. He then added a stepout to lead 5-0 at the break. No more points in the bout.

10:45: Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), a world champion at 92kg in 2023, had built an 8-0 lead against Andro MARGISHVILI (GEO) in their 97kg bout but seemed to struggle in the second period. However, he manages to defend that lead and win 8-5

10:40: Kyle SNYDER (USA) was first up on Mat and he warms up with a 3-0 win over Ertugrul AGCA (GER). Takedown in the first period and a stepout in the second as Snyder moves into the second round at 97kg. He can face Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW), only if both make the final

10:35: Richard VEGH (HUN) scored nine stepouts against AKASH (IND) and got one point for caution against the Indian as he wins the opening bout at 97kg 10-0. Victory via stepouts if we may

10:20: Welcome to the second day of the Muhamet Malo in Tirana. The Snyder vs Sadulaev chapter five is expected today. Both wrestlers will face each other only if they reach the final.

Russia Goes 3 for 3 to Complete Olympic Lineup; Mongolian Miracle Adds Another Full Team

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Muhamet Malo 2026 Day 2 Results: Sadulaev Beats Khaniev; Iran Wins 2 Golds