#BudaWrestle2018

USA Puts 2 in Finals, Otoguro Halts Chakaev's Run

Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 17:23 By Andrew Hipps

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BUDAPEST, Hungry (October 21) -- The United States of America went 2-for-3 in the semifinals on Sunday, advancing Kyle DAKE and J'den COX to the gold-medal finals.

Dake, competing in his first World Championships, continued his dominance in the 79kg weight class with an 11-0 technical fall over Akhmed GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) in the semifinals. 

Dake used a four-point throw to open up the scoring early and continued to build his lead. He eventually put the match away with a big throw on the edge of the match to secure the technical fall. Gadzhimagomedov defeated Dake in their previous meeting. 

Dake will now face Olympic bronze medalist Jabrayil HASANOV (AZE), who came from behind late to defeat Ezzatollah AKBARIZARINKOLAEI (IRI) 3-3 on criteria. The Iranian appeared to be in control until Hasanov took a shot in the final 20 seconds and converted it to a takedown. He then held on for the win.

Cox, an Olympic and world bronze medalist, advanced to the finals with a 5-2 victory over world bronze medalist Alireza KARIMIMACHIANI (IRI). Cox went up 2-0 before the Iranian took the lead on criteria after a takedown. The lead, though, was short lived as Cox scored a reversal and added another takedown to win by three.

The American will now face Ivan YANKOUSKI (BLR) in the gold-medal match at 92kg. Yankouski used two arm throws in the first minute of the match to cruise to a first-period technical fall shutout (11-0) over Atsushi MATSUMOTO (JPN).

At 65kg, Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) halted the run of Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS). The two wrestlers went back-and-forth in a high-scoring affair. The match was filled with action, as well as stoppages for injuries and challenges. 

The first period saw a wild exchange, which resulted in Chakaev taking a 4-3 lead. The first period would end 6-5 in favor of Chakaev. Otoguro turned it up in the second period, taking the lead and building it to 10-6. But Chakaev stayed offensive and cut the deficit to two late. Otoguro, though, was not going to be denied and pulled away for a 15-10 victory and spot in the finals. 

In the other 65kg semifinal match, Bajrang BAJRANG (IND) held on to defeat returning world bronze medalist Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB) 4-3 at 65kg. He becomes India's first world finalist since Amit KUMAR made the world finals in 2013.

At 57kg, both returning world finalists fell in the semifinals.

Zavur UGUEV (RUS), a two-time cadet world champion, topped 2017 world champion Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) 7-2, while Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ) claimed an 11-0 technical fall over 2017 world silver medalist Thomas GILMAN (USA).

Takahashi scored the first point of the semifinal match off the shot clock, but Uguev dominated the rest of the way. The Russian used a takedown and exposure to go up 4-1. He then tacked on to his lead in the third period to win by five. 

Sanayev led Gilman 2-0 after the first period before breaking the match open in the second period. He scored with a double leg takedown to go up 4-0 and converted it a lace and quickly built the lead to 9-0. Sanayev then put the match away with another takedown. 

Semifinal Results

57kg 
Zavur UGUEV (RUS) df. Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) by VPO1, 7-2
Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ) df. Thomas GILMAN (USA) by VSU, 11-0

65kg 
Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) df. Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS) by VPO1, 15-10
Bajrang BAJRANG (IND) df. Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB) by VPO1, 4-3

79kg 
Kyle DAKE (USA) df. Akhmed GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) by VSU, 13-0
Jabrayil HASANOV (AZE) df. Ezzatollah AKBARIZARINKOLAEI (IRI) by VPO1, 3-3

92kg 
Ivan YANKOUSKI (BLR) df. Atsushi MATSUMOTO (JPN) by VSU, 11-0
J'den COX (USA) df. Alireza KARIMIMACHIANI (IRI) by VPO1, 5-2

UWW's Event Organization Workshop heats up in Athens

Friday, August 1, 2025 - 07:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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ATHENS, Greece (July 30) -- United World Wrestling held a new edition of its Event Organization Workshop in Athens, Greece, from July 24-29.

The activity was conducted by the UWW Sports Department and took place on the sidelines of the U17 World Championships, offering participants an immersive experience to learn directly within the context of a major international event.

A total of 25 participants from 16 countries attended the workshop -- with nearly 50 percent of the attendees being women -- representing national federations and upcoming event organizers.

The attendees took part in theoretical sessions and field-based learning covering critical areas such as accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics. They also had the chance to observe the live execution of the Championships, attend the Technical Conference, and tour key competition areas.

The Local Organizing Committee played an important role in supporting the delivery of the workshop, facilitating access to venues, providing logistical coordination, and sharing their experience in hosting a major international event. Their collaboration was key to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

To complement the technical content, the group also enjoyed a cultural visit to the Acropolis, one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. This excursion helped foster exchange and camaraderie among participants, while providing a connection to the host city’s rich heritage.

UWW
Attendees walk through accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics at the Event Organization Workshop in Athens. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The workshop was facilitated by members of the UWW team, who shared their expertise and provided hands-on guidance throughout the sessions. The collaborative format encouraged knowledge exchange and open dialogue, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the content and format of the workshop, noting its relevance and practicality. The mix of classroom instruction, real-event exposure, and networking opportunities made the experience both educational and inspiring.

This edition of the Event Organization Workshop reinforced UWW’s commitment to building local capacities and delivering high-standard wrestling events across the world. Athens 2025 once again proved the value of this initiative and the importance of continuing to invest in professional training for sport event delivery.

Ramil AHMADOV, UWW Senior Competition Manager, and Yuri MAIER, Sports & Development Officer, conducted the workshop. We were honored to have Theodoros HAMAKOS, Vice-President of UWW, award the certificates.