World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 12:13 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 10) -- Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Paris Olympic champion entered in Women's Wrestling for the World Championships in Zagreb.

While four of the six champions in Paris had world titles to their names, only Motoki and now retired Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) did not. Motoki wants to change that.

"As the alarm on my smartphone to wake up in the morning, I use the music they play during the winning lap at the World Championships," Motoki had said after winning against Ozaki. "Each time I hear it, it gives me an unpleasant feeling and makes me remember what happened. Even after I won at the Olympics, that sinking feeling never really went away."

Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Olympic champion entered for Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Motoki has been to the World Championships twice before but came up short both times, winning bronze in 2022 at 59kg and silver in 2023 at 62kg.

She will be leading a strong Japanese team that has five senior world champions and four with multiple age-group titles to their names. Japan won six out of 10 gold medals in Women's Wrestling in 2023 and captured three out of four at the Non-Olympic Weights World Championships in 2024.

While Motoki enters as the favorite at 62kg, expectations are high across the lineup. The roster of returning world champions includes Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) at 50kg, Haruna OKUNO (JPN) at 53kg, Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) at 65kg, Ami ISHII (JPN) at 68kg, and Masako FURIUCHI (JPN) at 72kg.

Others completing the line up are Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) at 55kg, Himeka TAKUHARA (JPN) at 57kg, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) at 59kg and Nodoka YAMAMOTO (JPN) at 76kg.

But at the World Championships, Japan will be tested. Ukraine, the United States, and China are bringing tough names to Zagreb and the return of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will also shake up the results.

Storylines that will keep the fans engaged will be: Helen MAROULIS (USA) aiming for fourth world title at 57kg, Irina RINGACI (MDA) vs Grace BULLEN (NOR) at 68kg, Kennedy BLADES (USA) in a deep 68kg weight class and Sakura ONISHI's (JPN) big test at 59kg.

Iryna BONDAR (UKR) is the European champion at 62kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Challenge for Motoki

For Motoki, the road to gold in Zagreb may go through Iryna BONDAR (UKR), one of the rising stars in international wrestling. Bondar has already made her mark at the age-group level, winning both U20 and U23 world titles, and currently holds European Championships titles at both the senior and U23 levels.

After claiming the senior European title in April, Bondar made it clear that she's aiming for the top.

"Senior level is a whole different level of wrestling -- senior wrestling is tough and intense," she said. "Are there tougher opponents? Yes, absolutely. The toughest competitors are from Japan -- they are the strongest in the world."

Still adjusting to the pace of senior-level competition, Bondar tends to start slow in matches but has an effective arsenal of attacks once she settles in. But whether she’s ready for someone as polished and tactical as Motoki remains to be seen.

Also entered at 62kg are Asian champion MANISHA (IND), silver medalist Ok Ju KIM (PRK), and former world champion Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL), but Motoki remains the clear favorite to top the podium.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN), a 2021 world champion, is unbeaten internationally. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 50kg, Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) will aim to win her second world title, four years after claiming her first in 2021. She has not competed at the World Championships since, with Yui SUSAKI (JPN) occupying the spot during that time. However, Susaki did not enter the qualification process this year.

Yoshimoto has proven herself at the Asian level and remains unbeaten internationally since a loss to Chun Lei (CHN) at the Tokyo Test Event in 2019. Her main challenge could come from European champion Oksana LIVACH (UKR), who won a world bronze in 2018 but hasn’t returned to the podium since. Zagreb presents an opportunity and she will be keen on finishing with a medal.

The Japanese defeated Yu ZHANG (CHN) and Myonggyong WON (PRK) en route to her 2025 Asian title, and they are not expected to trouble her in Zagreb. European silver medalist Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) and U20 world silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) will aim to finish on the podium as well.

Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) won the Pan-Am gold in May. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Osvaldo Aguilar)

Unpredictability of 53kg

Chasing her fourth world title at 53kg is Haruna MURAYAMA (JPN), who made the Japan team after defeating another world champion, Moe KIYOOKA (JPN). Murayama won her first world gold in 2017 and added a second in 2018. But she had to wait five years to win her third in 2023, largely due to Mayu SHIDOCHI (JPN) dominating the weight before the Tokyo Olympics and Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) holding the spot until Paris.

Now, Murayama has a shot at another title. The weight class, however, is deep with talent. Olympic silver medalist Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) returns for the first time since the Paris Games and could become Ecuador’s first world champion. Her explosive style has troubled even the best, including Fujinami.

Asian champion Hyo Gyong CHOE (PRK), who beat Kiyooka in the Asian final, will be a strong medal threat with her powerful gut-wrench. Jin ZHANG (CHN), a former world U20 champion, will look to build on her silver from last year at 55kg.

Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) skipped this season but is returning to the World Championships with an aim to win her first medal. The former European champion can trouble the best with her strong leg-attacks and will be a medal favorite in Zagreb.

Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE), perhaps motivated by her historic European win, is going for her fourth world medal. Also in the mix will be world bronze medalist ANTIM (IND) who finished with a bronze in Asia.

Battles at 68kg

Another packed weight class is 68kg, featuring Olympic silver medalists Kennedy BLADES (USA) and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), world champions Jia LONG (CHN), Buse TOSUN (TUR), and Ami ISHII (JPN), along with several other top contenders.

Blades, who won silver in Paris at 76kg, has looked unbeatable at 68kg this year, claiming Ranking Series golds in Zagreb and Budapest, as well as a Pan-Am title. However, the World Championships in Zagreb will be a tougher test.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

68kg Olympic silver medalist Zhumanazarova returns with the goal of winning her second world title. Though she has competed infrequently, she is always a serious gold-medal threat. She was training in Türkiye with fellow world champion Tosun, who won bronze in Paris. The big-throwing Tosun is chasing her second world title as well.

Jia LONG, last year’s world champion at 65kg, is moving up to 68kg as she targets an Olympic weight for 2028. Known for one of the most dangerous gut wrenches in wrestling, she will look to use it to mount a serious title run.

Ami ISHII (JPN) did not medal in 2023 but won gold at 72kg in 2024. While she has made significant improvements, her defensive game remains a concern, as she tends to give up points. Still, Ishii is a strong contender for gold.

Other notable names include world silver medalist Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL), Asian silver medalist Sol Gum PAK (PRK), European silver medalist Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU), and Khanum VELIEVA (UWW).

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Golden chances for Maroulis, Bakergenova

Helen MAROULIS (USA) was unsure about returning to wrestling after winning her third Olympic medal -- a bronze in Paris. But she made her comeback in Budapest, where she captured gold. Now, she has a chance to win her fourth world title in Zagreb.

Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) had previously halted Maroulis at both the World Championships and Olympics, but with the Japanese star not entered in Zagreb, Maroulis has her best opportunity to top the podium again. The American remains the most experienced wrestler in the 57kg field, and her form in Budapest showed she’s still capable of a title run.

Her top challenger will be Olympic bronze medalist Kexin HONG (CHN), who was leading her semifinal in Paris against Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) before getting caught and pinned. Hong’s powerful gut-wrench remains a major weapon.

Il Sim SON (PRK), the Asian silver medalist, is another threat but may struggle due to inexperience. Himeka TOKUHARA (JPN) is also capable of upsetting top names. Other medal hopefuls include European champion Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (UWW), Tokyo silver medalist Iryna KURACHKINA (UWW), and U20 world champions Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) and TAPSYA (IND).

At 72kg, Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) could make history by becoming Kazakhstan’s first-ever world champion. A three-time silver medalist, she lost to Amit ELOR (USA) twice and to Ami ISHII (JPN) last year, but neither of them is in her path this time. Still, the weight class has strong contenders.

Former world champion Masako FURUICHI (JPN) is looking to reclaim the top spot and stands a good chance. European champion Alla BELINSKA (UKR) is chasing her first world medal, as is world and European U23 champion Nesrin BAS (TUR). Former world U20 champion Jyoti BERWAL (IND) also has an outside chance at a podium finish.

Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) is looking to rediscover her magic on the mat. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Can Khomenets rebound?

At one point in her career, Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) was seen as the next big star in Ukrainian wrestling. She captured age-group world and European titles and won silver at the 2023 World Championships at 55kg. However, injuries derailed her progress, and she’s now working to return to peak form.

She finished seventh at last year’s World Championships, but a bronze at the European Championships earlier this year has helped her regain confidence. A medal in Zagreb could further boost her motivation.

The 55kg field is deep. European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) has emerged as a top contender, having defeated Tatiana DEBIEN (FRA) in the final. Debien will look to avenge that close 6-5 loss.

Asian 53kg champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) is another strong challenger. Her versatile attacks and solid defense, showcased in her win over Moe KIYOOKA (JPN), make her a serious threat.

Japan will be represented by former world U20 champion Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN), who suffered an injury in Samokov in August. Her fitness and ability to handle the weight cut from 57kg will be challenging.

Onishi in the senior league

Soon after winning her second U20 world title in August, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) said it was only the first of two she hopes to win this year -- the second being a senior world title. A month later, she heads to Zagreb aiming to complete the double.

Onishi’s deadly leg lace helped her dominate in Samokov, and across two U20 World Championships, she hasn’t conceded a single point. But senior-level competition is a different test.

She narrowly won the Asian title in April, edging Pyol HUNG (PRK) 6-4. Hung, also entered in Zagreb, will be aiming for revenge. Still, with that win and time to reflect, Onishi enters as the favorite.

Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA), world 55kg champion in 2019, is now at 59kg hoping to add another world medal. She will be tested at the heavier weight class.

Ringaci vs Bullen: Part 3

Grace BULLEN (NOR) may have won both her matches against Irina RINGACI (MDA) at 65kg this year, but neither victory came easily. In their latest bout, Ringaci was leading 14-6 and was one turn away from victory when Bullen blocked a gut-wrench attempt and secured a dramatic fall. Earlier, at the European Championships, Bullen narrowly held on for an 11-8 win in the final.

Their rivalry could see a third chapter in Zagreb, and Ringaci will be eager to finally get the win. While Bullen holds the edge, a World title victory would be far more meaningful. Both wrestlers match each other in style -- strong defense, explosive throws, and a tendency to get tangled in high-scoring exchanges.

Outside this duo, the field includes former world champions Qi ZHANG (CHN) and Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN), Olympic silver medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR), and world bronze medalist Macey KILTY (USA). Zhang has struggled since moving up from 59kg, while Morikawa, a bronze medalist last year, will need to raise her level. Koliadenko is also adjusting after moving up from 62kg. Kilty, a two-time world bronze medalist, remains a strong podium contender.

Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) is looking for her first world title. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 76kg, Asian champion Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) enters as the favorite, though recent losses -- including in the Tirana Ranking Series and Paris bronze match -- expose her troubles on the mat against quality opponents.

Among the contenders will be Milaimy MARIN (CUB) who defeated Medet Kyzy in the bronze medal bout in Paris, former Asian champion Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ), European champion Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR) and world U23 champion Kylie WELKER (USA).

Fifth-placer at the Olympics Genesis REASCO (ECU) and world U20 champion PRIYA (IND) will also aim for medals.

#WrestleAmman

Asian Championships 2025 Freestyle Day 6 Blog

Sunday, March 30, 2025 - 08:02 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

AMMAN, Jordan (March 30) -- The ultimate day of the Asian Championships is here. Freestyle weight classes 61kg, 74kg, 86kg, 92kg and 125kg will be in action in Amman.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 5 RESULT

125kg gold medal bout: Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) vs. Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI)

14:27: Amireza MASOUMI (IRI), currently on a six-tournament win streak that includes world U23 and U20 titles, will get a chance to make it seven straight as he knocks off Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) 8-0 in their 125kg semifinal. Masoumi does his best Jordan Burroughs imitation when he launches a blast double-leg takedown for 4 in the first period. He tries again in the second period, but it only results a stepout.

14:25: Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) is back in the Asian Championships 125kg final with a solid 5-1 win over DINESH (IND). He scores a takedown and turn in the second period to go ahead 5-1 and set up a final against World U23 and U20 champion Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI). Mukhtur had stunned Masoumi in the semifinal of the 2023 Asian Championships.

92kg gold medal bout: Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) vs. Deepak PUNIA (IND)

14:18: Deepak PUNIA (IND) assures himself of fourth career Asian medal, but will it finally be gold? Punia, a losing finalist three years ago, advances to the 92kg final with an 8-1 victory over Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN). Punia opens by with an arm drag takedown, to which a fleeing point is tacked on. In the second period, Punia receives an activity point, then twice presses Ishiguro down and goes behind for takedowns. Ishiguro gains a late stepout to avoid the shutout.

14:18: World U23 champion Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) beats three-time Asian champion Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) and books a spot in the 92kg final. Dauletbekov tried a cut-back from standing but Firouzpour defend well and had Dauletbekov's back on the mat for two points. Two stepouts for Firouzpour as he extended his lead to 4-0. Dauletbekov put on the 30-second activity clock in the second period. Firouzpour adds another stepout and Dauletbekov fails to score during the activity clock and Firouzpour's lead swells to 6-0. Firouzpour adds another stepout to lead 7-0. Firouzpour elevates Dauletbekov's leg and throws him on the mat for two and a turn gives him two more. Lost challenge from Kazakhstan and Firouzpour wins 11-0.

86kg gold medal bout: Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) vs Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI)

14:05: Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) heads to the 86kg final after a 12-1 victory over Nan CAO (CHN). Sakayev with counters that hurt Cao immensely. Coa kept the forward pressure but Sakayev scored three go-behind and a turn to win.

13:59: Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) storms into the 86kg final with an 11-0 rout of Mukul DAHIYA (IND), ending their semifinal with the second of two 4-point moves. After opening with a stepout, Rahmani adds a takedown, then gets 4 with an underhook takedown to the back. Rahmani then hits a duck under, keeps Dahiya's arm locked and drives him straight to his back. He doesn't try for a fall and the match ends at 2:45.

74kg gold medal bout: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) vs. Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ)

13:55: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) with a stepout to begin his 74kg quarterfinal against Fazliddin NASRITDINOV (UZB). He builds a 5-0 lead, including a takedown, at the break. Toktomambetov is awarded a stepout but Uzbekistan challenge and Nasritdinov is awarded the stepout on review as Toktomambetov stepped outside to complete the action. A bodylock throw from Toktomambetov for four but Uzbekistan challenge again. No problems this time and Toktomambetov leads 10-1 with one minute remaining in the bout. Tokyomambetov is happy to defend till the end and win 10-1 and enter the final.

13:52: Experience triumphs over youth as Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) nails a 4-point takedown with :20 left to clinch a 6-1 victory over Mohammad Reza SHAKERI (IRI) and advance to the 74kg final. Kaipanov, the world champion at 70kg, receives an activity point in the first period, then adds a stepout in the second. It looks like the match will end that way when Kaipanov suddenly steps up and slams Shakeri over the edge with a double-leg takedown. Shakeri, the 2023 world U20 champ at 65kg, adds a consolation stepout in the final seconds.

61kg gold medal bout: Takara SUDA (JPN) vs UDIT (IND)

13:42: UDIT (IND), the runner-up last year at 57kg, earns a chance for a gold at 61kg after barely holding on for a 2-0 win over Wanhao ZOU (CHN). In the final seconds, Zou gets behind Udit in the standing position, but time runs out before he can get Udit to the mat.

13:40: Japan and Iran with a head-to-head in the 57kg semifinals. Sweep single from Takara SUDA (JPN) to lead 2-0 against Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) in the first minute of the bout. Both wrestlers scramble in and out of holds but there is no points scored. Suda is put on the activity clock in the second period. Javan gets on the scoreboard with one point as Suda doesn't score in the 30-second period. Javan doesn't give up chasing Suda and scores a stepout to make it 2-2 but Suda has criteria. And he keeps Javan at bay without fleeing to win 2-2 and enter the final

13:18: With his opponent on the activity clock, Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) ties up Taiki YAMAMOTO (JPN) with a front headlock, then proceeds to roll five times to end their 125kg quarterfinal match with a 11-0 win in 2:01 to end the session.

13:16: World U23 and U20 champion Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI), the prohibitive favorite at 125kg, finally takes to the mat for his quarterfinal match against Ahmed AL JAMIE (IRQ), and needs a little less than one period to notch an 11-1 victory. Masoumi's only blip comes after he opens with a takedown and gut wrench, then transitions to a headlock. Al Jamie rolls out of the predicament for a reversal. He makes up for the gaffe with a slick back-trip for 4.

13:12: Former Asian champion and world silver medalist Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) was down 2-1 against Zyyamuhammet SAPAROV (TKM) in the 125kg quarterfinal. But he is all work in the second period as he scores a four-pointer and finishes the bout with an 13-2 win.

13:09: Mohammad Reza SHAKERI (IRI) is through to the 74kg semifinals with a 4-0 victory over Hikaru TAKATA (JPN). Shakeri gets an activity point in the first period, then adds a stepout and a takedown in the second.

13:07: The host nation's hopes for a gold medal, that were slim at best, officially end when Fazlidden NASRITDINOV (UZB) builds a big lead and defeats a spunky Orts ISAKOV (JOR) 10-3 to advance to the 74kg semifinals. Isakov never gives up, scoring all of his points in the final minute.

13:02: DINESH (IND) upsets former Asia bronze medalist BUHEEERDUN (CHN) at 125kg. He scores two takedowns, gets one point for lost challenge and adds a stepout to lead 6-0. He then gets a four-pointer which China challenges but loses. Dinesh wins 11-0

12:59: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) builds up a 6-0 lead against Daegil HAN (KOR), then hits a headlock throw and secures the fall in the first period to charge into the 74kg semifinals.

12:54: Three-time Asian medalist Deepak PUNIA (IND), six years removed from a world bronze medal, put on one of those comebacks that Indian wrestlers do so well. Down 6-0 against Bekzat RAKHIMOV (KGZ) in their 92kg quarterfinal, Punia gradually chipped away at the lead before going ahead 8-6 with a 4-point throw early in the second period. He scores two takedowns and goes on to notch a 12-7 win.

12:52: Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) finishes his 74kg quarterfinal against Batbayar BATSUKH (MGL) in the first period. Kaipanov brought out those big doubles.

12:48: Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN) with a grand amplitude throw against Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) and that is his only action in the match. It is, however, enough for him to win 5-3 and book a place in the 92kg semifinals.

12:44: Two-time world bronze medalist Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) begins his quest for a fourth consecutive Asian title and first at 92kg in the quarterfinals against LIN Zushen (CHN). Dauletbekov gets an activity point for the lone score of the first period. Lin gets the activity point to start the second period, and Daultetbekov immediately scores a takedown and gut wrench to go up 5-1. He adds a classic counter-lift for 2 for a 7-1 victory.

12:43: Two-time defending champion Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) opens his 92kg title defense with a 5-0 victory over Sherzod POYONOV (UZB) that includes a rare penalty point when Poyonov takes a swat at the Iranian.

12:35: Wanhao ZOU (CHN) scores two takedowns in the second period to clinch a 6-1 victory over Mukhamed BALGABAY (KAZ) and advance to the 61kg semifinals

12:38: Silver medalist at 57kg in 2024, UDIT (IND) mounts a comeback to beat Bekbolot MYRZANAZAR UULU (KGZ) 9-6 at 61kg. Myrzanazar Uulu developed a 6-4 lead with two minutes left on the clock but Udit scored a reversal and then two takedowns to move into the 61kg semifinals.

12:30: Returning bronze medalist at 61kg Kum Chol RI (PRK) gets Muhamet Malo Ranking Series winner Takara SUDA (JPN) in the quarterfinal. Suda with a four-pointer during Ri's activity time to lead 5-1. Ri gets a stepout in the second period. Ri continues his attacks but Suda with some solid defense to deny Ri. Suda put on activity clock in the final minute of the match. Ri gets on another single-leg attack but only gets a stepout to make it 5-3 with 13 seconds left. He tries the head pinch but Suda blocks and gets two. A reversal for Ri but Suda will win 7-4

12:28: Ahmad JAVAN (IRI), winner at this year's Zagreg Ranking Series event, hits a 4-point headlock throw en route to a 9-1 victory over Tuvshintulga TUMENBILEG (MGL) to advance to the 61kg semifinals.

12:25: Mukul DAHIYA (IND) books his spot in the 86kg semifinals by holding off a final single-leg attempt by Mukhammad ABDULLAEV (KGZ) to clinch at 3-1 win.

12:19: Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) has little trouble disposing of Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN) in their 86kg quarterfinal. He jumps out to a 4-0 lead with a fireman's carry and lace-lock roll and adds a takedown in the first period, then finishes the match in the second period with a 4-point throw for a 10-0 win.

12:17: At 86kg Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) scores a takedown right to a gut wrench early in his match with Batbilguun NAADAMBAT (MGL), and, other than an activity point for the Mongolian, it looks like that's going to end the scoring. But Naadambat gains a takedown with :12 left to cut the lead to 4-3, then forces Sakayev out at the buzzer. But was it in time? The challenge says no, and Sakayev is into the semifinals with a 5-3 win.

12:11: Batbayar BATSUKH (MGL) gets a takedown with :15 left to clinch a hard-fought 4-2 vicory over Ok Chol HAN (PRK) at 74kg.

12:06: Mohammad Reza SHAKERI (IRI), the 2023 world U20 champion at 65kg, starts his day at 74kg with a 5-0 victory over Perman HOMMADOV (TKM). Leading 1-0, Shakeri scores a takedown with Hommadov on the activity clock early in the second period, then adds a stepout.

12:00: World Military champion JAIDEEP (IND) hits a four-pointer but Hikaru TAKATA (JPN) comes back with two takedowns to make it 4-4 at the break in their 74kg bout. Takata completes a takedown in a scramble before adding a lace to lead 8-4. A stepout adds to his lead. Jaideep scores a stepout with a minute remaining. Takata defends an attack and Jaideep is forced to move out of bounds and Takata runs out the clock to win 10-5

11:58: Taiki YAMAMOTO (JPN), a bronze medalist back in 2017 at 125kg, trails 2-1 against Nursultan AZOV (KAZ), with all of the points coming on the activity clock, when he finally makes an offensive move and scores a stepout with :30 left. Azov comes back with a shot that forces a sprawling Yamamoto out, but is originally scored as no points. On challenge, the call is changed to a stepout. With :03 left, Yamamoto gets in on a single and forces to the edge for a stepout, and that one is upheld on challenge. Yamamoto walks off a 4-3 winner.

11:52: World U23 silver medalist Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), who won an Asian bronze at 70kg two years ago, rolls to an 11-0 victory at 74kg over Tu Erxun AHEIYOU (CHN).

11:52: World 70kg champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) fell 1-0 behind against Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) in their 74kg opening bout but he comes back in the second period and wins 2-1 to advance.

11:45: At 125kg, Ahmed AL JAMIE (IRQ) squanders a 3-1 lead to fall behind 4-3 against Gyeongmin KIM (KOR), but comes back with a takedown with :32 left for a 5-4 win.

11:43: Returning silver medalist and Asian U20 champion Sherzod POYONOV (UZB) gives up an early stepout to Abdul ABUIDAIJ (JOR), but that's all he concedes in an 11-1 victory at 92kg. Poyonov chalks up four takedowns in the first period, then finishes the match by getting behind 15 seconds into the second.

11:34: Veteran Gwanuk KIM (KOR), a bronze-medal winner at the 2014 Asian Games and 2021 Asian Championships, falls 6-4 in his 92kg match with Bekzat RAKHIMOV (KGZ), an Asian U23 bronze medalist. Trailing 4-2 in the second period, Kim receives an activity point, then appears headed for a go-ahead score when he gets Rakhimov's leg in the air. But the Kyrgyz wrestler deftly hits a switch and gets behind for 2. Kim scores a late stepout, but it's too little, too late.

11:26: A back-and-forth first period leaves Gyeongyeon LEE (KOR) with a 5-4 lead against Mukhammad ABDULLAEV (KGZ) going into the second period at 86kg. Abdullaev receives a caution point for Lee's fleeing, and from par terre, hits two gut wrenches, but Lee reverses to the back after the second. So now it's 9-7, Abdullaev, with 40 seconds to go. Abdullaev gets behind when Lee tries to spin out of an underhook and walks off an 11-4 winner.

11:26: Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN) will accept an injury walkover from Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) at 92kg.

11:23: 2023 Asian bronze medalist Tuvshintulga TUMENBILEG (MGL) hangs on for a 4-2 win against Behruzbey TURANMURATOV (UZB) in the 61kg opening round bout. He went into a defense mode in the second period after leading 4-0 at the break.

11:16: Kum Chol RI (PRK), a bronze medalist a year ago at 61kg, drives Hyeonsik SONG (KOR) out for a 2-point takedown with his opponent on the activity clock for a quick 3-0 lead that he extends to 9-0 at the break. Ri ends the match with a takedown a minute into the second period.

11:15: World U20 bronze medalist Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) gets started with a 10-0 win over Mustafa AL AZZAWI (IRQ), capped with a 4-point pancake early in the second period.

11:12: Mukul DAHIYA (IND) has a good warm-up at 86kg with a 12-0 win over Weng CHOW (SGP) after two big throws. India did not reach the medal bouts on Saturday and would be hoping to change that today.

11:09: Asian U20 champion Batbilguun NAADAMBAT (MGL) takes a 2-0 lead into the second period of his 86kg bout with Salimzhoni KHALIMZODA (TJK) with a stepout and activity point, but Khalimzoda goes ahead with a 2-point counter lift. Naadambat counters a takedown attempt and gets behind for 2 and holds on for a 4-2 win.

11:09: Returning 86kg bronze medalist Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN) completes a 10-0 win over Fahriansyah FAHRIANSYAH (INA) just inside the first period.

11:03: Nan CAO (CHN), last year's Asian U23 champion at 79kg, gets his campaign started at 86kg with quick victory by fall over Abdallah MAKOON (JOR) in the opening match on Mat C.

World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview

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Asian Championships 2025 Freestyle Day 6 Blog