#WrestleZagreb

WATCH: Chasing Greco 87kg Gold at World C'ships

By United World Wrestling Press

ZAGREB, Croatia (December 4) -- If there was one weight class in Greco-Roman at the World Championships in Zagreb which was extremely unpredictable, it was 87kg.

Olympic silver medalist Alireza MOHAMDI (IRI) was leading a pack of wrestlers who had medals at the World Championships, both senior and age-group, continental championships and even at the Olympics.

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Paris bronze medalist Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) was primed to win the gold as well after a good start to the season. Then there was European champion David LOSONCZI (HUN).

Former European champion Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) was expected to be on the podium. Other names included age-group world champs in Asan ZHANYSOV (KGZ), Exacue MUKUBU (NOR), Vigen NAZARYAN (ARM), Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) and Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) among others.

As the day progressed in Zagreb, a few of those names fell apart and it was Komarov, Mohmadi, Losonczi and Milad ALIRZAEV (UWW) who reached the semifinals before Komarov and Mohmadi clashed for the gold medal.

Mohmadi, a silver medalist at 82kg from 2023, was leading the final but Komarov made a solid comeback and clinched the gold medal, 4-3, becoming the second male wrestler to win gold medals at all World Championships.

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UWW President Lalovic conferred Order of Dostyk by Kazakhstan

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 26) -- United World Wrestling President Nenad LALOVIC was conferred the Order of Dostyk of the second degree by Kazakhstan President Kassaym Jomart TOKAYEV for his contribution to the development of wrestling in Kazakhstan.

The Order of Dostyk of second degree is one of the state awards of Kazakhstan which it confers foreign nationals for their efforts in peace, friendship and cooperation between people.

Lalovic was in the country in second week of February and visited various sports facilities including the under-construction National Sports University in Astana.

"I am glad to visit Astana again," Lalovic was quoted as saying by Kazakhstan media. "Your city is becoming more beautiful and modern. Today, I got acquainted with the new sports infrastructure, surveyed several facilities that have made sports an integral part of the urban environment. Sports complexes are built at a high level, providing comfort for both athletes and fans. Each of them is capable of hosting international competitions."

Highlighting the key role wrestling plays in enhancing the country’s stance on the international arena, Tokayev hailed the achievements of Kazakhstan wrestlers following their successful performance at major world competitions.

Kazakhstan won its first-ever Freestyle gold medal at senior World Championships in 2023 when Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) won at 92kg. Last year, Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) won gold at 70kg in Tirana to become the second world champion from the country.

In Greco-Roman, it has five gold medals from three wrestlers while in Women's Wrestling, it has no gold but multiple silver medalists.