#wrestlenursultan

Tynybekova Grabs Historic Gold for Kyrgyzstan at Women’s 62kg; Russia Rakes in 2 Freestyle Titles

By Ken Marantz

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan (Sept. 20)---The Olympic berth was secondary. This was the time and place for Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) to accomplish a more historic moment for her Central Asian nation.

Tynybekova earned a place in Kyrgyzstan's sporting history as the first wrestler to win a senior world title when she captured the women’s 62kg gold medal with a 5-3 victory over defending champion Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) on Day 7 at the World Championships.

“When I started wrestling, it was just a dream for me to become world champion,” the 26-year-old Tynybekova said. “But today, the dream came true.”

Since Kyrgyzstan made its debut at the world championships in 1994, the former Soviet republic had won nine medals---including Tynybekova’s bronze in 2017---but no one had made it to the top of the podium.

Until Friday night at the Barys Arena in the capital of neighboring Kazakhstan, where a large contingent of compatriots had made the trip and were witness to this moment of national glory.

“Last year, I couldn’t participate in the world championships [in Budapest] because of an injury,” said Tynybekova, who returned to action to win the gold at the Asian Championships in April. 

“It was a serious injury and I missed six months of training. At that time, it was hard watching [the World Championships] because I wanted to be there so badly.”

Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) scored a takedown with 10 seconds left to knock off reigning world champion Taybe YUSEIN (BUL), 5-3.(Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

In the final, Tynybekova gave up a point on the activity clock, then scored a takedown to lead 2-1 going into the second period. She added a stepout point, but fell behind 3-3 on criteria when Yusein scored 2 with a stepover with a minute to go.

“It was important for me to control the match from the first second to the last,” Tynybekova said. “That was the strategy of my coach. When the score was 3-3 and there was just 40 seconds, I didn’t panic. I knew I could score 2 points more.”

Indeed she did, tackling the Bulgarian to her back with about 10 seconds to go to secure the historic victory. 

“Everyone on my team, my coach and the federation believed in me, and that gave me the power to win,” Tynybekova said. 

Tynybekova was a relative late-comer to the sport, only taking it up when she was in her mid-teens. She explained that the countryside where she grew up did not have wrestling clubs. When she became aware of women’s wrestling, she knew that was the sport for her, and made a drastic life decision.

“I was 16 when I started wrestling,” she said. “Before that, I tried many kinds of sports. I was always searching for something interesting.…When I heard there was women’s wrestling in the capital [Bishkek], I gathered all my clothes and moved there.”

Along with the gold medal, Tynybekova also clinched a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The top six finishers in each of the Olympic weight classes secure berths for their countries. But that was never the main objective.

“My coach said to me that Olympic qualifying is not the main thing,” Tynybekova said. “He was confident I could get the Olympic license. 

“He said I have to make history for Kyrgyzstan. It’s not only my victory. It’s a victory of my team, of my country. This medal is not only from my effort. Many people contributed.”

After a pair of runner-up finishes, Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) finally got his long-awaited gold medal. (Photo: Gabor Martin)

Meanwhile, Russia captured the two freestyle golds at stake, with Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) triumphing in his move up to the Olympic weight of 65kg, and Zavur UGUEV (RUS) successfully defending his title 57kg. Both won by technical falls.

Rashidov, a silver medalist at 61kg the past two years, overwhelmed Daulet NIYAZBEKOV (KAZ) 11-0 in just 1:42, capping the victory with a spin-behind takedown for the final points.

It was by far Rashidov’s easiest match of the tournament, after he had to emerge from a demolition-derby bracket that included victories over defending champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) and three-time world champion Haji ALIYEV (AZE).

“I took a very long road to reach this title,” Rashidov said. “My side of the draw was more difficult to get to the final, so that was why the final was easy.”

For Rashidov, the Olympic ramifications made finally taking a gold even more special.

“This victory means a lot for me because this championship is before the Olympic year,” he said. “Tokyo 2020 is waiting for us.” 

Uguev broke open a close match with European champion Suleyman ATLI (TUR) when he scored a takedown in the second period to take a 5-3 lead, then racked up a combination of tilts and rolls to complete a 13-3 victory in 4:40

Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) celebrates after dominating Jenny FRANSSON (SWE), 8-2, in the 68kg finals. (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) gave the United States its third gold medal in women’s wrestling in Nur-Sultan when she grinded out an 8-2 victory over veteran Jenny FRANSSON (SWE) in the 68kg final.

The effervescent Mensah Stock, a bronze medalist a year ago who is unbeaten this year, reeled off three takedowns in the first period. Even when she got caught in a headlock for 2 in the second period, she slipped out of the hold for a reversal, and later got an additional point for an unsuccessful challenge. 

Mensah Stock, like 65kg champion Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) a first-time world champion, became the ninth woman in U.S. wrestling history to win a world gold.

In the bronze-medal matches, Japan had three wrestlers in action, but only one---Yukako KAWAI (JPN) at women’s 62kg---came out with a victory. That is significant because the Japanese federation had decreed that a wrestler winning a medal would automatically fill the Tokyo 2020 berth without further domestic qualifying.

Kawai joined older sister and 57kg champion Rikako on the Japan Olympic team when she rolled to a 12-1 technical fall of KIM Jong Sim (PRK). Henna JOHANSSON (SWE) took the other 62kg bronze by beating Marianna SASTIN (HUN) 4-1.

Rio 2016 Olympic champion Sara DOSHO (JPN) suffered a surprising 4-1 loss at women’s 68kg when Anna SCHELL (GER) scored a 2-point stepover early in the second period and won 4-1. 

Battsetseg SORONZONBOLD (MGL) defeated 2018 champion Alla CHERKASOVA (UKR) 2-2 on last-point criteria for the other 68kg bronze.

Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) defeated reigning world champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN), 5-3 in the bronze-medal bout at 65kg. (Photo: Gabor Martin)

In freestyle 65kg, Otoguro’s bid to add a bronze to his 2018 gold fell short when he lost 5-3 to Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) in a testy but high-energy bout. 

Otoguro had to play catch-up late in the match, but a caution for head-slapping meant he did not have the advantage of last-point criteria when he tied the match with :24 left. His desperate attempt for the winning points resulted in Muszukajev gaining a medal-clinching takedown.

In the other third-place playoff, 2018 silver medalist Bajrang PUNIA (IND) rallied from an early deficit and a precarious few seconds on his back to edge Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL), 8-7.

At 57kg, the host country picked up a medal when Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ) edged Stevan MICIC (SER) 4-3. Kumar RAVI (IND) took home the other bronze with a 6-3 win over Reza ATRINAGHARCHI (IRI).

In the women’s team competition, Japan, which was surprisingly limited to just one gold medal, had six medalists overall to top the standings with 137 points. 

Russia, with two golds, a silver and a two bronzes, placed second with 108 points, edging the United States by 3 points. China finished another 3 points behind the Americans in fourth place. 

Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) scored a stepout with under two seconds left for the second consecutive year to defeat four-time world and Olympic champion Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

Deja vu all over again: Sidanov stops Burroughs for 2nd year in row
Earlier in the night, defending champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) scored with one tick left on the clock for the second year in a row to end a bid by Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) for a fifth world title at 74kg

This year, Sidakov’s late point for a stepout came one round later than in Budepest, giving him a 4-3 victory in the semifinals. He will face two-time world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) in the final on Saturday.

“The one thing that helps me during the match is I really believe and hope that I will win,” Sidakov said. “I know Jordan Burroughs very well and respect him. But I can say my desire to win was even stronger than last year.”

Sidakov went ahead 2-1 with a takedown in the second period, only to see Burroughs, who pulled off two come-from-behind victories in the qualification rounds, go ahead with a go-behind takedown with :45 left. 

As he did in Budapest, Sidakov desperately went on the attack, shooting for a double-leg tackle that Burroughs countered with a sprawl as he was pushed toward the edge. The two tumbled out of bounds together, and Sidakov was awarded a stepout point to clinch the win on criteria. An unsuccessful challenge accounted for the final score. 

“This year, I prepared better,” Sidanov said. “There were 12 training camps before this championships, and I trained for seven straight months. Last year, I didn’t have a world title, so I just went out onto the mat and wrestled.”

In regard to Chamizo, who defeated Zelimkhan KHADIEV (FRA) 4-1 in the other semifinal, Sidanov commented: “When me meet on the mat, it doesn’t matter who is older or younger or who has more titles. Opponents compete win me different than last year. The other wrestlers use all their power against me.”

Reigning two-time world champion Geno PETRAIASHIVILI (GEO) will take on rival Taha AKGAL (TUR) in the gold-medal bout at 125kg on Saturday night. (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

As expected, the 125kg final will feature the latest clash between Geno PETRAIASHIVILI (GEO) and Taha AKGAL (TUR), who both advanced with untroubled wins.

Petraishivili, the two-time defending champion, defeated Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UKR) 6-2, while three-time former champion Akgal scored all of his points in the first period to sweep away 2018 silver medalist DENG Zhiwei (CHN) 5-0.

The final will be a rematch of the gold-medal match at the European Championships in April, which Akgal won 7-0.

At 92kg, J’den COX (USA) earned a shot at a second straight world gold by making the final, where he will face Asian champion Alireza KARAMIMACHIANI (IRI) in a rematch of the semifinals from 2018. 

Cox, a Rio 2018 bronze medalist topped Irakli MTSITURI (GEO) 3-0 and Karamimachiani stormed to a 10-0 technical fall over Alikhan ZHABRAILOV (RUS) in the semifinals.

The host nation will get another chance for a gold medal after Asian champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) edged Yones EMAMICHOGHAEI (IRI) 7-6 in the 70kg semifinals. He will face David BAEZ (RUS), a 5-2 winner over Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL).

Day 7 Results

Freestyle

57kg (34 entries)
Gold – Zavur UGUEV (RUS) df. Suleyman ATLI (TUR) by TF, 13-3, 4:40 
Bronze – Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ) df. Stevan MICIC (SER), 4-3
Bronze – Kumar RAVI (IND) df. Reza ATRINAGHARCHI (IRI), 6-3 

65kg (44 entries)
Gold – Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS) df. Daulet NIYAZBEKOV (KAZ) by TF, 11-0, 1:42 
Bronze – Bajrang PUNIA (IND) df. Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL), 8-7 
Bronze – Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) df. Takuto OTOGURO (JPN), 5-3 

70kg (30 entries)
Semifinal – David BAEZ (RUS) df, Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL), 5-2 
Semifinal – Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) df. Yones EMAMICHOGHAEI (IRI), 7-6 

74kg (39 entries)
Semifinal – Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) df. Zelimkhan KHADIEV (FRA), 4-1 
Semifinal – Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) df. Jordan BURROUGHS (USA), 4-3

92kg (18 entries)
Semifinal – J’den COX (USA) df. Irakli MTSITURI (GEO), 3-0 
Semifinal – Alireza KARAMIMACHIANI (IRI) df. Alikhan ZHABRAILOV (RUS) by TF, 10-0, 4:16

125kg (28 entries)
Semifinal – Geno PETRAIASHIVILI (GEO) df. Oleksandr KHOTSIANIVSKYI (UKR), 6-2
Semifinal – Taha AKGAL (TUR) df. DENG Zhiwei (CHN), 5-0

Women’s Wrestling 

62kg (34 entries)
Gold – Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) df. Taybe YUSEIN (BUL), 5-3
Bronze – Henna JOHANSSON (SWE) df. Marianna SASTIN (HUN), 4-1
Bronze – Yukako KAWAI (JPN) df KIM Jong Sim (PRK) by TF, 12-1, 4:03

68kg (32 entries)
Gold – Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) df. Jenny FRANSSON (SWE), 8-2 
Bronze – Battsetseg SORONZONBOLD (MGL) df. Alla CHERKASOVA (UKR), 2-2
Bronze – Anna SCHELL (GER) df. Sara DOSHO (JPN), 4-1 

#wrestlebishkek

Iran, Bahrain Put Three in Asian Championships Final

By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 11) -- Iran and Bahrain managed to put three wrestler each in the finals of Asian Championships on Saturday in Bishkek. India also continued its good show and put two wrestlers in the gold medal bouts for Sunday.

The DPR Korea and Japan managed to one wrestler each in the final.

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125kg semifinals - Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) with a fall in 41 seconds over DINESH (IND) to enter the final. He hits a double leg attack straight off the whistle and then works the fall.

Reigning world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) went of the offensive in the second period and powered to a 5-0 victory over BUHEEERDUN (CHN), giving the Iranian a chance for a second Asian gold in his second appearance after winning in 2024. With neither giant able to muster anything resembling a scoring opportunity, Zare scored the lone point of the first period via the activity clock. But Zare took the initiative in the second period, bulling Buheeerdun to the mat for a takedown, then adding a gut wrench to make it 5-0. At one point, Zare shot for a takedown and Buheeerdun knocked him off balance, but could not convert the opening. It was a better showing for Buheeerdun than the last time they met, when Zare whipped him 10-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Games.

92kg semifinals - Two-time bronze medalist Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) became another first-time finalist in Bishkek with a workmanlike 8-0 victory over Asian U20 bronze medalist Iakov CHAPLIN (KGZ). Sharipov took a 2-0 lead when he scored a stepout just seconds after the activity clock ran out on Chaplin for the lone points of the first period. In the second, Sharipov came out firing and scored a takedown with a driving tackle. He used his power again for a second, countering a takedown attempt by blocking a leg and driving ahead, then got behind for his third takedown of the period to make it 8-0. 

U23 world champion Mobin AZIMI (IRI) earns a shot at his first senior Asian title after he wins 6-0 against Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ). He got the first point when Dauletbekov was put on the activity clock and then doubled the lead with a stepout. The exact sequence played out in the second period as well as Azimi led 4-0. A takedown for a 6-0 score sealed the win for Azimi.

86kg semifinals - Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) with a fireman's carry to score a four-pointer over Mukul DAHIYA (IND) to start the semifinal and he then adds a takedown to make it 6-0. Dahiya gets takedown before the break to cut the score to 6-2. Dahiya scores a takedown before break to cut the lead to 6-2. He opens the score period with a takedown to make it 6-4 before driving Sakayev for a two-point takedown. Sakayev keep a 6-6 criteria lead but Dahiya takes a clear lead with a go-behind. As Sakayev struggles with conditioning, Dahiya scores two more takedowns and wins the semifinals 12-6

Two-time world and Asian champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) proves too much for Asian U23 silver medalist Alp Arslan BEGENJOV (TKM), storming to an 11-0 victory to advance to the final in his first Asian appearance since winning the 92kg gold in 2021. Ghasempour, a bronze medalist at last year's World Championships, bides his time, first gaining an activity point before adding a takedown and gut wrench combination for a 5-0 lead in the first period. In the second, he scores with a high crotch, goes to the lace lock and rolls twice to end the match at 3:31. Begenjov was looking to become Turkmenistan's first finalist since 1999; he will now have a chance to become its first medalist since 2018 and the first-ever in Freestyle. 

74kg semifinals - Orozbek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) tries multiple ways to score on Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) but the Japanese just doesn't give up a takedown. He opened the match with a sweep single takedown and turned Toktomambetov for a 6-0 lead. Toktomambetov finally gets on Aoyagi's legs but the Japanese defends and then steps over to score two exposure points to lead 6-0 at the break. Both wrestlers go towards the edge and it is Toktomambetov who puts his hand out first which gives one point to Aoyagi. Kyrgyzstan challenges the call and lose it to add one more point to Aoyagi's score and make it 8-0. Aoyagi then blocks a throw from Toktomambetov and lands on top for two points and finish the bout.

Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) won't have to settle for a bronze medal this time after making his first Asian final with a takedown in each period of a 4-3 victory over Asian U23 bronze medalist Begijon KULDASHEV (UZB). After Kuldashev could only come away with a stepout after getting in on a deep single, Asluev took the lead with a takedown to go ahead 2-1 at the break. Asluev, who won his second career bronze last year, added his second takedown early in the second period. Kuldashev used a nifty duck under for a takedown that cut the gap to 1 with :46 left, but Asluev held on to secure the best medal of his career.

61kg semifinals - Asian Games silver medalist Kwang Myong KIM (PRK) gets a takedown and then catches Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) on his back and pins the world bronze medalist. Abdullaev is left stunned as he walks off the mat.

In a thriller between two turbo-charged wrestlers, Olympic bronze medalist AMAN (IND) outlasts Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) 11-9 to earn a shot at a second career Asian gold. Javan sweeps in for a single and gets Aman's leg into the air, but instead of going to the mat, he drives Aman out and to his back for a 4-pointer. Aman responds with a double-leg takedown, then adds a stepout that the Iranian challenges but loses. Javan scores with another sweeping single, only for Aman to come back with a takedown to make it 6-6 at the break. Aman goes ahead with a stepout to start the second period, then stays on the offensive and gets another to make it 8-6 at the halfway point. Aman makes Javan, who continually takes breaks complaining of a sore ankle, work hard for a stepout, then comes right back with a takedown to go up 10-7 with :30 left. Javan makes one last push and gets a takedown in the final seconds, but is also assessed a 1-point penalty for being slow to continue the match.

Qualification Session Highlights

13:12: Superstar Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) takes the mat for the first time in the final match of the session. The reigning 125kg world champion and Olympic silver medalist fends off the attacks of a gutsy world U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), scoring three takedowns off counters in a 7-0 victory.

13:01: World silver medalist Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) survives a stiff test from Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), piling up an early lead then gaining a late defensive takedown to notch an 8-5 victory and advance to the 61kg semifinals. Javan gives up a takedown to start the match, but reverses and gains two exposures for a 5-2 lead. The two trade stepouts early in the second period before Hasegawa cuts the gap to 1 with a takedown with 1:30 left. But when he shoots for the potential winning score, Javan deftly leaps over him and gets behind to clinch the victory. 

12:52: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) prevails in his latest encounter with longtime rival Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ), scoring a takedown with :04 left for a 4-3 win and a place in the 61kg semifinals. Each wrestler had received an activity point when Almaz Uulu went ahead with a pair of stepouts. But Addullaev connected on a single and reeled in Almaz Uulu for the takedown, which survived the subsequent challenge. In their most recent meeting, Almaz Uulu won 8-0 in the 57kg semifinals at the World Championships.

12:50: AMAN (IND), a former Asian champion at 57kg, takes his time to get going but once he does, he finishes his 61kg quarterfinal 11-0 against Changsu KIM (KOR) and advance to the semifinals.

12:46: Zagreb Ranking Series champion and returning bronze medalist Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN)  comes out with a 2-point exposure from an odd scramble that starts when he jams up a back suplex attempt by Arslanbek TURDUBEKOV (KGZ) in their 125kg quarterfinal. An unsuccessful challenge makes it 3-0, which is how the first period ends. In the second, Sharipov secures a bear hug and attempts a back suplex himself, from which he gets a 2-point takedown. He adds a defensive takedown to chalk up a 7-0 win.

12:42: Mobin AZIMI (IRI) works on a 9-0 victory over Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN) at 92kg. Ishiguro never seemed to trouble Azimi, who is a U23 world champion

12:32: Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ), looking to add to his extensive collection of Asian medals — six overall, including three golds, dating back to 2017 -- overcomes a tough foe in Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) for a 3-0 win at 92kg. Dauletbekov, who took a bronze last year, scores a takedown in the first period and adds a stepout in the second.

12:29: Two-time bronze medalist Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) scores a takedown in each period and that's all he needs for a 5-0 victory over Hade AYIDUSI (CHN) and a place in the 92kg semifinals.

12:25: World champion at 70kg Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) is ecstatic after beating Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) 7-6 in the 74kg quarterfinals. Aoyagi scored the first takedown of the match to lead 2-0 before a scramble and challenge from Yazdani switches the lead to 4-4 criteria for Yazdani. But Aoyagi with a takedown with 26 seconds left in the bout to take the lead again. Yazdani tries a body throw but Aoyagi blocks him and Yazdani falls on his back. It is initially score four points for Aoyagi but Iran wins another challenge and it scored a stepout for Yazdani on review. Aoyagi, leading 6-5, gives up a stepout while trying to escape but still holds 6-6 criteria. Iran challenge again the last 15 seconds but there is no takedown from Yazdani as he drops the bout 7-6. WIth the win, Aoyagi avenges his loss against Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) from two years ago at 70kg.

12:22: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), looking to improve on his silver medal from last year in the stacked 74kg weight class, JAIDEEP (IND) takes a fragile lead with an activity point and stepout in the first period. In the second, Toktomambetov fends off everything Jaideep throws at him to snatch a 2-0 win. 

12:15: Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) begins his bid to improve on his silver medal from last year at 86kg with a 12-2 rout of Song Gang JI (PRK). Sakayev opens with a counter lift for 2, and after giving up a takedown, pulls away with a takedown, two exposures and a gut wrench to lead 10-2 at the break. He ends with chest wrap counter 37 seconds in the second period.

12:05: Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) has had some heartbreaking moments in recent years. A gold at the Asian Championships can perhaps bring some confidence back to him. He takes the first step towards the title with a 12-2 routing of Yudai TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 86kg.

12:00: Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), a former U17 and U20 world champion, gets a takedown in the final minute to pull off a 2-2 criteria win over Nambardagva BATBAYAR (MGL) at 125kg with cheers from the crowd. He gets to face world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) next

11:58: Olympic and world bronze medalist Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) gets his campaign started at 61kg by notching a takedown in each period for a 4-1 victory over returning bronze medalist Wanhao ZOU (CHN).

11:51: Asian Games champion Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), wrestling for the first time since that win in October 2023, starts off with a 6-2 victory over Assyl AITAKYN (KAZ) at 61kg. The match hung in balance with Hasegawa leading 4-2 and Aitakyn attacking non-stop. But Hasegawa got on a double-leg attack and then held Aitakyn in danger for two points to get a 6-2 lead. He managed to hold on to it till the end of the time.

11:49: Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN), an 86kg bronze medalist last year who has moved up to 92kg, gets three gut wrenches off a takedown to finish up a 12-2 win over Punit KUMAR (IND) and advance to the quarterfinals.

11:48: In a clash between last year's Asian U23 bronze medalists at 61kg, Kwang Myong KIM (PRK) dominates, scoring a 4-point takedown en route to a 10-0 win over Batnasan GANKHULEG (MGL) in just under two minutes. 

11:45: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN), the world champion and three-time Asian medalist at 70kg who has moved up to the Olympic weight of 74kg, uses a low single and locks his head between the thighs of 2-2021 bronze medalist Sumiyabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL), then hits a "wishbone" roll to take a 3-0  lead into the break. Aoyagi puts up an impenetrable wall of defense and walks off with a 3-0 win. 

11:36: Asian U23 champion JAIDEEP (IND) gets a takedown and exposure to open a 5-0 lead in the first period against Daegil HAN (KOR), then turns him in the second period for a fall and he's into the 74kg quarterfinals. 

11:27: Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) hugs Anil GEDARAA (SRI) as if to apologize after pinning him using a cradle in their 74kg match.

11:20: Malik SHAVAEV (KGZ) breaks a 1-1 deadlock with a single-leg takedown with 59 seconds left in his 79kg qualification-round bout before holding on for a 3-1 win over Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN), a world bronze medalist and Asian silver medalist last year at 79kg. After taking the lead, Shavaev tries to run out the clock but shooting again. Saipudinov desperately tries to break the hold, and eventually gets behind Shavaev, who keeps his knees off the mat. Saipudinov runs him out of the ring, but time had already run out. 

11:14: Song Gang JI (PRK), the heaviest wrestler to represent the DPR Korea at the Asian Championships since 2010, gets off to a roaring start at 86kg. He follows a single-leg takedown with four back-and-forth gut wrenches for a 10-0 win over Madushanka MUDIYANSELAGE (SRI) in 36 seconds. 

11:03: In the opening match on Mat A, brawny 2024 world U23 bronze medalist Yudai TAKAHASHI (JPN) slams down Weng CHOW (SGP) for a 4-point takedown that gives him a 10-0 win 56 seconds into their qualification round bout at 86kg