#WrestlePontevedra

World Champ Amoyan Ascends to Finals With Heroic Comeback

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 18:54 By Eric Olanowski

Share this article

PONTEVEDRA, Spain (June 4) – Armenia’s reigning junior world champion Malkhas AMOYAN trailed for over 5 minutes and 45 seconds in his semifinals bout against 2016 cadet world silver medalist Sergei STEPANOV (RUS), but halted one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by using late heroics to steal a spot in the 72kg junior European finals. 

Amoyan conceded an early takedown just seconds into the first period, but weathered Stepanov’s storm and got out of the first period only trailing 2-0. After the break, and moments into the second period, the Armenian cut his deficit in half with a one-point step out. Shortly after, the Armenian’s deficit grew to three points when Stepanov scored his second takedown of the bout. 

Amoyan picked up his pace and pushed out Stepanov, an­­d trailed 4-2 with 75 second left. 

The world champion transition from an arm drag to a high hip shot and scored a takedown with 20 seconds left, tieing the match at four point apiece; but he still trailed on criteria because Stepanov’s pair of two-point exchanges trumped his takedown and two one-point moves. 

With 11 seconds left, while still on top in the par terre position, Amoyan tossed Stepanov out of bounds and closed out the semifinals match with a 5-4 win, inserting himself into his first junior European finals.l

Though he does have a cadet European title on his resume, Amoyan took third the past two years in the junior division and will be looking for his first junior European gold medal. He’ll wrestle Moldova’s Mihai PETIC in the 72kg gold-medal bout. Petic ended Ihor BYCHKOV’s (UKR) quest to win a European title with a 5-4 semifinals victory. 

The Day 3 finals begin on Wednesday at 18:00 (local time). 

RESULTS

60kg 
GOLD - Asgar ALIZADA (AZE) vs. Diego CHKHIKVADZE (GEO)
SEMIFINAL - Asgar ALIZADA (AZE) df. Ivo Krasimirov ILIEV (BUL), via fall 
SEMIFINAL – Diego CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) df. Sahak HOVHANNISYAN (ARM), 4-1 

67kg
GOLD - Hayk MELIKYAN (ARM) vs. Giorgi SHOTADZE (GEO)
SEMIFINAL - Hayk MELIKYAN (ARM) df. Abdulvakhab ASAINOV
(RUS), 10-0 
SEMIFINAL - Giorgi SHOTADZE (GEO) df. Haavard JOERGENSEN (NOR), 12-2 

77kg
GOLD - Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) vs. Mihai PETIC (MDA)
SEMIFINAL - Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df. Sergei STEPANOV (RUS), 5-4 
SEMIFINAL - Mihai PETIC (MDA) df. Ihor BYCHKOV (UKR), 5-4 

82kg
GOLD - Vitalii ANDRIIOVYCH (UKR) vs. Istvan TAKACS (HUN)
SEMIFINAL - Vitalii ANDRIIOVYCH (UKR) df. Stanislav PSEUNOV (RUS), 2-1 
SEMIFINAL - Istvan TAKACS (HUN) df. Lucas LAZOGIANIS (GER), 6-5 

97kg
GOLD - Alex SZOKE (HUN) vs. Patrick NEUMAIER (GER)
SEMIFINAL - Alex SZOKE (HUN) df. Gerard Cyprian KURNICZAK (POL), 4-2 
SEMIFINAL - Patrick NEUMAIER (GER) df. Uladzislau PUSTASHYLAU (BLR), 4-0 

#development

2024 Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational (REDT): A New Era of Regional Collaboration in Wrestling

Thursday, October 10, 2024 - 13:48 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CHIANGMAI, Thailand (9 October, 2024) - The 2024 Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational was a Regional Educational Development tournament (REDT), held from September 25-29 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, marked a historic moment for the sport of wrestling in the region. This event was the first in over nine years to include Oceania teams, a significant milestone that highlighted the potential for collaboration and growth between Southeast Asia and Oceania.

A total of 13 countries participated, with Southeast Asia represented by Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and Oceania by American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga. Over the five days, 284 athletes competed across three wrestling styles—Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women’s Wrestling—within the U15, U17, and senior age groups.

The feedback from participating teams was overwhelmingly positive. For both Southeast Asia and Oceania, the championship provided a valuable opportunity for athletes to gain crucial international exposure while competing against teams of a similar skill level. This event acted as a development springboard, allowing the athletes to refine their skills and measure their progress in a competitive yet supportive environment.

The enthusiasm from Oceania teams was particularly notable, with several expressing their strong desire to be invited back in future editions. Many teams have already committed to increasing their participation in the next event, and there is significant interest from additional Oceania nations should this tournament become a regular fixture on the calendar.

SEAWrestlers jocky for position at the 2024 Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational was a Regional Educational Development tournament (REDT). (Photo: United World Wrestling)

As we look to the future, the success of the Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational underscores the importance of fostering regional cooperation. The event has laid the foundation for further development in both regions and holds immense potential to become a cornerstone for wrestling in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The 2024 edition was not just a competition but a powerful demonstration of unity, skill, and the collective ambition to elevate wrestling in these developing regions. The positive outcomes have set the stage for ongoing collaboration, and the prospect of even greater participation in future years is a testament to the event's success.

We look forward to welcoming even more nations and athletes as we continue to grow the sport of wrestling in Southeast Asia and Oceania.