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World Olympic Qualifier Greco-Roman Paris Qualification Bouts Set

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 06:57 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

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ISTANBUL, Turkiye (May 9) -- The first day of the World OG Qualifier, the last chance for wrestlers to earn a Paris 2024 spot, will see the six weight classes in Greco-Roman. Three wrestlers from each weight class will earn the spot for Paris from Istanbul.

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Here are the Paris Qualification bouts for the evening session

60kg
Dahyun KIM (KOR) vs. Sadyk LALAEV (AIN)
Murad MAMMADOV (AZE) vs. Razvan ARNAUT (ROU)

67kg
Etienne KINSINGER (GER) vs. Valentin PETIC (MDA)
Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO) vs. Lei LI (CHN)

77kg
Rui LIU (CHN) vs. Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL)
Sergei KUTUZOV (AIN) vs. Iuri LOMADZE (GEO)

87kg
Kiryl MASKEVICH (AIN) vs. Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN)
Lasha GOBADZE (GEO) vs. Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE)

97kg
Arvi SAVOLAINEN (FIN) vs. Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN)
Artur SARGSIAN (AIN) vs. Lucas LAZOGIANIS (GER)

130kg
Pavel HLINCHUK (AIN) vs. Sabah SHARIATI (AZE)
Alin ALEXUC CIURARIU (ROU) vs. Heiki NABI (EST)

17:12: In a marquee matchup to cap the seven-hour session, Iuri LOMADZE (GEO) got the best of Viktor NEMES (SRB), scoring a pair of 4-point moves in a 10-1 victory at 77kg. Trailing 1-0 in the second period and put into par terre, Lomadze hits a whirling 4-point throw. He then puts the match away by securing a body lock and taking Nemes to his back for 4.

17:04: Rui LUI (CHN) makes up for squandering an early lead by scoring a stepout with 1:03 left and holding on to defeat Idris IBAEV (GER) 5-5 at 77kg. Lui led 4-2 early in the first period when Ibaev went ahead 5-4 with takedown and stepout.

17:02: Young Pavel HLINCHUK (AIN) is looking unstoppable at 130kg, as he finishes off a 13-4 win over Elias KUOSMANEN (FIN) with an awesome underhook 4-point throw.

17:00: Sergey KUTUZOV (AIN) once again dominant on the mat! Per OLOFSSON (SWE) had no chance against Kutuzov who got the first par terre. Olofsson was docked for two points for leg could and Kutuzov scored a turn from par terre to lead 5-0. Few points in the second period but Kutuzov with an 8-2 win at 77kg.

16:51: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN), looking to become the first Japanese in an upper weight class in Greco to make the Olympics since 2012, moved one step away by scoring two takedowns in a 6-0 victory over Felix BALDAUF (NOR) at 97kg. Standing in his way is Arvi SAVOLAINEN (FIN).

16:47: London Olympic silver medalist Heiki NABI (EST) is a win away from qualifying for the Paris Games. Nabi, 38, beats Oskar MARVIK (NOR) 5-1 in the quarterfinal at 130kg.

16:43: Lucas LAZOGIANIS (GER) knocks off two-time former world bronze medalist Mihail KAJAIA (SRB) at 97kg in another 1-1 match decided by the last of two passivity points. He will face Artur SARGSIAN (AIN) tonight for a ticket to Paris.

16:42: In a thriller at 60kg, Razvan ARNAUT (ROU) is trailing Justus PETRAVICIUS (LTU) 6-2 in the second period when he unleashes a lethal 4-point arm throw and pulls out a 6-6 win.

16:30: Artur SARGSIAN (AIN) barely manages to see off Vladen KOZLIUK (UKR) in the 97kg quarterfinals. Sargsian, who usually has a strong par terre, fails to perform against Kozliuk but gets the job done.

16:27: In one of the featured matches of what is officially the quarterfinals but what are de facto semifinals, Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE)  scrapes to a 2-1 victory over Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) at 87kg. After Kessidis gets a passivity point, Huseynov goes ahead on criteria when he receives a point from an unsuccessful and somewhat misguided challenge. In the second period, Huseynov gains a stepout, although it was one the Azeris might have wished they could have challenged it.

16:25: Zagreb Open champion Sadyk LALAEV (AIN) ended the strong run of Georgij TIBILOV (SRB) at 60kg, scoring a second-period takedown that clinched a 6-2 victory.

16:12: Lasha GOBADZE (GEO) does just what he needs to do to get by Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) at 87kg, scoring a roll from par terre to win 3-3 on last-point criteria. He will either Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) or Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) for a ticket to Paris.

16:08: 2021 world silver medalist Kiryl MASKEVICH (AIN) continues his run at 87kg with a 7-2 win over Nicu OJOG (ROU) to advance to the Paris 2024 qualification bout.

16:02: Lei LI (CHN) rallies from a 5-point deficit to defeat Mateusz BERNATEK (POL) 10-5 and advance to Paris 2024 qualification match at 67kg. He will face Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO), who came out a 9-4 winner in a contentious match with Din KOSHKAR (KAZ) on an adjacent mat.

15:50: Iuri LOMADZE (GEO) jumps out to a big lead against VIKAS (IND) at 77kg, using an arm throw for 2, then getting behind and nailing a 4-point throw. Lomadze then slips behind for a takedown that ends it at 8-0 with 25 seconds to spare in the first period.

15:45: Sergei KUTUZOV (AIN) looks the wrestler to beat at 77kg! He takes out Tsimur BERDYIEU (AIN) 8-0 to advance to the quarterfinals where he will face Per OLOFSSON (SWE).

15:39: Former world champion Viktor NEMES (SRB) forges ahead at 77kg, scoring a gut wrench in his second shot at par terre in the second period to sew up a 4-0 victory over Antonio KAMENJASEVIC (CRO).

15:29: Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL) prevails in an intense battle between former world medalists at 77kg, gaining a stepout in the first period and a passivity point in the second for a 2-1 victory over Zoltan LEVAI (HUN).

15:27: There's still plenty of life left in 38-year-old Heiki NABI (EST), holder of an Olympic silver from 2012 and five world medals won over a span from 2006 to 2019. He gets a pair of gut wrenches from par terre in the first period, then uses stepouts to finish off Aybegshazada KURRAYEV (TKM) 9-0 at 130kg.

15:19: Veteran Alin ALEXUC CIURARIU (ROU), finally taking the mat for the first time on a long day as he bids to make a fourth Olympics, gets a gut wrench from par terre in the first period and comes out a 4-0 winner over Eduard BABENOSHEV (TJK) at 130kg.

15:17: Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO) falls in the 1/8 finals against Elias KUOSMANEN (FIN) 130kg. Kuosmanen hit a front head lock for four at the start of the bout before getting a passivity point to lead 5-0. Kajaia got one point in the second period but that was all as Kousmanen won 5-1.

15:10: Mihail KAJAIA (SRB) beats Alex SZOKE (HUN) 1-1 at 97kg after the two exchanged passivity points. Szoke got the par terre on the third passivity but failed to score and Kajaia was happy to hold on to his criteria lead.

15:02: Sabah SHARIATI (AZE), a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, rolls to a 9-0 victory over three-time Asian bronze medalist Roman KIM (KGZ) at 130kg.

14:59: Felix BALDAUF (NOR) wins over no new friends in Istanbul after he knocked off local favorite Metehan BASAR (TUR) at 97kg, winning 1-1 on last-point criteria after both received a passivity point.

14:50: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN) continues to surprise at 97kg, scoring a reversal from the bottom of par terre after landing on his feet during a throw -- which was upheld on challenge -- in a 3-1 victory over Murad AHMADIYEV (AZE).

14:48: In a clash of Tokyo Olympians, Arvi SAVOLAINEN (FIN) gets a passivity point in each period and comes out a 2-0 winner over Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) at 97kg.

14:34: An impressive display by two-time world bronze medalist Murad MAMMADOV (AZE) to move closer to a ticket to Paris at 60kg. He reverses from the bottom of par terre against Christopher KRAEMER (GER), then scores two gut wrenches to make it 5-1. Mammodov finishes the proceedings with a twirling 4-point throw and, with an unsuccessful challenge, the final score is 10-1.

14:31: Georgij TIBILOV (SRB) literally took down Goliath. The 2023 world bronze medalist at 63kg scored a takedown against five-time African medalist Romio GOLIATH (NAM), then reeled off four rolls for a 9-0 victory to advance at 60kg.

14:29: Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) reels off a 4-point throw from par terre in the second period and that makes the difference in a 5-4 victory over Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB) at 87kg. Both wrestlers competed at the Tokyo Olympics at 77kg, but lost in the first round.

14:23: Marcel STERKENBURG  (NED) hangs on for a 3-2 win over Mihail BRADU (MDA) at 87kg. Sterkenburg scored a turn from par terre for a 3-0 lead. He challenged asking for two more points for the second turn. He lost that challenge as Bradu never came in danger position. Bradu got one point for par terre in the second period but failed to score any points.

14:15: Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) with a big four-pointer, that was challenged by Martynas NEMSEVICIUS (LTU) but lost. Bisultanov then added a takedown and turn to earn a 9-0 win at 87kg.

14:14: Lasha GOBADZE (GEO) hangs on for a 5-4 victory over Gevorg TADEVOSYAN (ARM) at 87g.

14:09: Olympic bronze medalist Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) advances at 87kg by the slimmest of margins, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the final seconds for an improbable 4-3 win over Sunil KUMAR (IND). With time running out, Huseynov got in on a body lock and forced Kumar over the edge for a stepout. But the Indian was assessed a 1-point penalty for fleeing, giving Huseynov a 3-3 win on criteria. An unsuccessful challenge added the final point.

13:57: Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO), a 2021 world bronze medalist who would love nothing better than to get a chance to make up for a fifth-place finish in Tokyo, advances at 67kg with a 5-0 win over Niklas OEHLEN (SWE). Zoidze comes close but fails to complete a gut wrench from par terre in the first period, but pulls one off after a takedown in the second.

13:48: Valentin PETIC (MDA) scores a stepout on a throw attempt from par terre and comes out a 4-1 winner at 67kg over Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY). He will face Andreas VETSCH (SUI) for a place in Olympic qualification match.

13:45: European bronze medalist Kiryl MASKEVICH (AIN) scores a victory by fall over Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL) at 87kg. Trailing 1-1 on criteria, Maskevich pancakes his opponent to his back and applies a tight headlock for the fall. It was a rematch of Maskevich's 7-5 win at the 2021 World Championships, where he won the silver medal and Kulynycz took home a bronze.

13:36: Mateusz BERNATEK (POL), a world silver medalist back in 2017, gets a stepout in the first period and a gut wrench from par terre in the second, and he advances at 67kg with a 4-1 victory over Yong Jin RO (PRK).

13:32: European bronze medalist Iuri LOMADZE (GEO) scores a first-period takedown and has one in the second nullified on challenge, but it's enough for a 3-0 victory over Oliver KRUEGER (DEN) at 77kg.

13:17: Asian Games bronze medalist Rui LIU (CHN), who suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final match at the Asian Qualifier, starts out strong at 77kg with an 11-0 win over Georgios PREVOLARAKIS (GRE). Liu gets a pair of rolls from par terre, then finishes it off the match with a 4-point throw.

13:11: Tokyo Olympian Aik MNATSAKANIAN (BUL), a 2019 world bronze medalist, gets the gut wrench during his shot at par terre in the second period and that's enough for a 3-1 victory over Marcos SANCHEZ (ESP) to advance at 77kg, today's most populated weight class with 33 entries.

12:52: Sergey KUTUZOV (AIN), the 2021 world silver medalist at 72kg, chalks up an 8-0 victory over Kamal BEY (USA) at 77kg, which took a while to figure out. With a 2-0 lead, Kutuzov got behind with the two standing and hit a 4-point throw. The USA side challenged, but instead, Bey was assessed a 2-point foul, ending the match just before the end of the first period.

12:45: Artur SARGSIAN (AIN), who broke his arm at the World Championships, returns for the last chance qualifier and beats Markus RAGGINGER (AUT) 7-1 at 97kg to keep his hopes of earning a Paris 2024 spot alive.

12:31: Pavel HLINCHUK (AIN), the 2023 world U23 champion at 97kg who has moved up to 130kg, advances with a fall over 2020 world U20 champion Mykhailo VYSHNYVETSKYI (UKR). Hlinchuk was leading 7-4 when Vyshnyvetskyi hit a lateral drop for 4. But Hlinchuk rolled through the move to come out on top and secure the fall.

12:17: Alex SZOKE (HUN), the 2021 world silver medalist who placed fifth at the Tokyo Olympics, knocks off Nikolaz KAKHELASHVILI (ITA) 10-1 at 97kg. Szoke gets a pair of rolls from par terre to build a 5-0 lead. On the bottom in the second period, Szoke stops a roll for 2, then gets on top and hits a gut wrench.

11:57: Metehan BASAR (TUR), six years removed from the second of his back-to-back world titles at 85/87kg, gets the home crowd going with a 2-0 win over Asian Games silver medalist Yiming LI (CHN) at 97kg. The 33-year-old Basar gains a passivity point in the first period and a stepout in the second.

11:56: Five-time Asian medalist and Tokyo Olympian Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ), who came up one win short at the Asian qualifier at home in Bishkek, stuffs a roll attempt by Kaloyan IVANOV (BUL) in par terre for 2 and advances at 97kg with a 3-1 victory.

11:38: Two-time world bronze medalist Murad MAMMADOV (AZE), the reigning European champion at 63kg, gets three rolls and an exposure from par terre to put away Aleksandrs JURKJANS (LAT) 10-1 as he tries to make his first Olympics at 60kg.

11:30: Munkh BATKHUYAG (MGL), a 2023 world U23 bronze medalist in freestyle (!), overwhelms Ibrahim BUNDUKA (SLE) 10-0 at 60kg as he launches his attempt to become just the second Mongolian in history to wrestle Greco at an Olympics and first since 1980.

11:21: Tokyo Olympic 77kg bronze medalist Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE), aiming to make it to Paris at 87kg, gets a pair of passivity points and a challenge point and holds on for a 3-1 win over Ilias PAGKALIDIS (GRE).

11:20: Two-time world medalist and Tokyo Olympian Jalgasbay BERDIMURATOV (UZB) bear hugs Hannes WAGNER (GER) straight to his back for a spectacular 4-pointer from par terre and he advances at 87kg with a 5-1 victory.

11:10: Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) uses his over-under position to score stepouts against Lukas STAUDACHER (AUT) and secures a technical superiority win at 87kg.

10:59: Another match is decided by which wrestler receives the last passivity point. In a battle of Tokyo Olympians, it was former world champion Lasha GOBADZE (GEO) gained a 1-1 victory at 87kg over four-time Pan Am champion Daniel GREGORICH (CUB). The loss by Gregorich at 87kg makes it difficult for Cuba to have wrestlers in all six Greco weight classes in Paris.

10:46: Veteran two-time world champion Hansu RYU (KOR) saw his bid to make a third Olympics end when a late takedown against Matias LIPASTI (FIN) was wiped out on challenge, giving Lipasti a 1-1 victory on last-point criteria -- he got the second of the passivity points awarded. Ryu had a second chance in par terre but couldn't turn Lipasti.

10:36: At 67kg, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYAD (EGY) has to hang on for a nail-biting 9-8 victory over European bronze medalist Abu AMAEV (BUL). Elsayad gets a pair of 4-pointers to build up a 9-2, only to allow Amaev to nearly rally to victory.

10:35: Yong Jin RO (PRK) gets the gut wrench in his second stint in par terre in the second period, giving him a 3-2 victory at 67kg over the two-time world 72kg bronze medalist Selcuk CAN (TUR). 

10:30: Lei LI (CHN) with a quick takedown and four three rolls for an 8-0 win over Adomas GRIGALIUNAS (LTU) at Greco-Roman 67kg. China is looking to earn the three Greco-Roman spots that it has still not got.

10:00: Welcome to the first day of the World OG Qualifier in Istanbul. Greco-Roman action will kick off the tournament. Winners of the semifinal along with the winner of the playoff between the two bronze medalists will earn a quota for the Paris Olympics.

#WrestleSamokov

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 Preview

Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 08:11 By Vinay Siwach

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SAMOKOV, Bulgaria (August 13) -- A quick stat: Of the 30 gold medalists from last year's World U20 Championships, 13 will compete at the senior World Championships in Zagreb, a testament to the event's importance. This year's competition in Samokov, Bulgaria, from August 17 to 24, will undoubtedly introduce the next generation of wrestling stars.

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The eight-day event will feature 650 wrestlers: 233 in Freestyle, 231 in Greco-Roman, and 186 in Women's Wrestling. A significant number, 186 wrestlers, are returning from last year's competition. In Freestyle, 11 medalists are back, including one champion. Greco-Roman has 10 returning medalists, with three champions, while Women's Wrestling boasts 17 returning medalists and three defending champions.

Marcus BLAZE (USA)Marcus BLAZE (USA) is a returning bronze medalist at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

FREESTYLE

Last year, the United States had an incredible run, with nine of its 10 wrestlers winning a medal. This year, the U.S. is aiming to defend its team title for the first time. The team includes four returning medalists: Marcus BLAZE (61kg), PJ DUKE (70kg), Ladrion LOCKETT (74kg), and Justin RADEMACHER (97kg).

Iran will likely be its main challenger, looking to reclaim the team title they last won in 2023. However, the U.S. team is motivated, particularly after it recently stunned Iran to defend its team title at the U17 Worlds. Other major challengers include Georgia, Azerbaijan, India, and UWW wrestlers, many of whom are continental champions.

One of the returning medalists and a strong favorite for gold is Marcus BLAZE (USA). His only loss last year was to Masanosuke ONO (JPN), and he's now looking to add a world U20 title to his U17 one.

He won't be without competition, however. Ahora KHATERI (IRI), a 2023 world U17 champ, is also looking to add a U20 gold to his resume in his first event. Khateri wrestled at the Zagreb Open this year and finished fifth. The field is further bolstered by European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM), silver medalist Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), Asian U20 champion Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) and Allan ORALBEK (KAZ).

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA)Ladrion LOCKETT (USA) will look to upgrade his silver to gold at 74kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA), a silver medalist last year, is a strong contender for gold. His aggressive style and high pace will be key against opponents who often can't handle his intensity. His biggest challenge will come from European U23 champion Ismail Khaniev (UWW), European U20 champion Manuel Wagin (GER), and returning bronze medalist Aghanazar Novruzov (AZE).

Lockett defeated Novruzov in the semifinals last year, but the latter recently added a senior European bronze to his resume and could cause an upset. The field also includes Asian U20 champion Mahdi Mamivand (IRI) and European U20 silver Raul Caso (ITA), who will be at his fourth U20 Worlds.

PJ DUKE (USA), who earned a spot on the U.S. senior team for Zagreb, is now looking to upgrade his bronze medal to gold this year. Wrestling at 70kg, Duke has been in phenomenal form, memorably pinning Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) to make the senior team. A classic U.S.-Iran battle is expected in this weight class, as he'll face 2022 world U17 champion Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI), who recently won the Asian U20 gold medal. Elahi was also at the Zagreb Open but finished fifth.

While some weight classes feature clear favorites, others are wide open. The competition at 79kg is a prime example. The only returning champion is Alp Arsalan BEGENJOV (TKM), who made history as Turkmenistan's first-ever world U20 champion. However, he's had mixed results since then, including a loss to CHANDERMOHAN (IND) and a pin by AMIT (IND).

This opens the door for a host of contenders. Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI), who lost his first bout to Begenjov last year, has since had a phenomenal run, winning a senior Asia gold, a world U23 title, and a silver at the Zagreb Open.

Leandro ARAUJO (BRA) is also looking to change the color of his medal. Araujo won bronze last year and silver at the Pan-Am U20 Championships. He'll be challenged by the wrestler who beat him in that final, William HENCKEL (USA), a potential gold medalist himself. Also in the mix are European U20 champ Davit TCHETCHELASHVILI (GEO), silver medalist Muradkhan OMAROV (AZE) and returning fifth-placers Said SAIDULOV (UWW) and Amit.

Another Iran wrestler who has improved significantly is Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI). After winning bronze last year, he's gone on to secure gold medals at senior and U20 Asians. While not a clear favorite, a gold medal in Samokov is definitely within his reach. European U20 champion Dachi PAPINASHVILI (GEO) and silver medalist Ahmet YAGAN (TUR), a returning bronze medalist himself, will be among those hoping to deny Rahmani.

European U20 champion Konstantine PETRIASHVILI (GEO), the younger brother of Olympic champion Geno, will be looking to add another world title to his name.
Having finished eighth last year, Petriashvili will be keen on finishing on the podium this year at 97kg. But he'll face a stiff challenge from Erfan ALIZADEH (IRI), the U20 Asian champ. Alizadeh's experience on the senior circuit, where he earned a silver at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, could be key to navigating Petriashvili's attacks. Also in the mix is Justin RADEMACHER (USA), a returning bronze medalist who is determined to claim the gold he missed last year.

Both Ashab DADAEV (FRA) and Magomedgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (UWW) lost to Petriashvili at the European U20s in close bouts. They will look to change the result they end up meeting the Georgian in Samokov.

Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ)Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) is a returning bronze medalist at 92kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 92kg, returning bronze medalists Anar JAFARLI (AZE) and Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) are ready to compete. Kurugliyev, a 2023 world U20 champ at 97kg and a 2022 world U17 champion, has moved down a weight class. While Jafarli lacks Kurugliyev's resume, he is a gold medal threat, having defeated the returning Connor MIRASOLA (USA) for bronze last year.

European U20 and U23 silver medalist Musza ARSUNKAEV (HUN) is also a factor, capable of upsets with a strong record that includes a 2022 world U17 silver medal. He recently finished fifth at the Budapest Ranking Series.

The 125kg class is set to be a battle of redemption and first-time glory. Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE), a former world U17 champion, is determined to claim a U20 title after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year, a goal bolstered by his recent European U20 silver.

His path to gold could be blocked by Inal GAGLOEV (UWW), the European U20 gold medalist who is stepping onto the world stage for the first time. The competition also features Pan-Am U20 champion Cole MIRASOLA (USA) and Asian U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ). For Kassimbek, the stakes are high; he has lost two U17 world finals, including one to Dursunov, and is now hungry for his first major gold.

Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW)Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW) is the favorite to win gold at 65kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

The 65kg weight class has a strong favorite: Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW). He won both the European U20 and U23 Championships with seemingly little trouble.

Yet, there will be challenges at the world level, which include European U20 silver medalist Viktor BOROHAN (UKR) and former Euro U20 champ Abdullah TOPRAK (TUR). Both of them have already suffered a defeat to Dzhandubaev but can step up on the day. The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Luke STANICH (USA), Aliasghar TATHASHTIKEH (IRI), who is making his international debut, and Omurbek ASAN UULU (KGZ), a 2024 world U17 champ who won bronze at the Asian U20s.

Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE)Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) is a two-time former world U17 champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Can former world U17 champion Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) add a U20 title? The European U20 champion’s path to gold won't be easy, as he'll face Nika ZANGALADZE (GEO), the only wrestler to truly test him in Italy. The U.S. is pinning its hopes on Anthony KNOX (USA), who is making his international debut.

Meanwhile, Iran has a strong contender in Arshia HADDADI (IRI), a bronze medalist at both the Asian U20 and 2022 World U17 Championships. Also challenging for gold is Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), who has been training in the U.S. at Oklahoma State University.

 Sakura ONISHI (JPN)Sakura ONISHI (JPN) is a senior Asian champion at 59kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

The statistic about in the first paragraph of this preview primarily highlights the strength of Women's Wrestling as seven champions from last year will be at the senior World Championships later in September.

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) and Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) will represent Japan and the Zhang twins, Yu and Jin, will challenge for China. Christelle RODRIGUEZ (USA), Iryna BONDAR (UKR) and Jyoti BERWAL (IND), all gold medalists from Pontevedra, will also be in Zagreb.

Now back in Samokov, both Uchida and Onishi will be wrestling for their second straight world U20 gold medal at 57kg and 59kg respectively.

Since her 2024 title, Onishi has won gold medals at Asian Championships and Muhamet Malo Ranking Series. She is also a world U17 champ and silver medalist from 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Onishi will have her hands full with Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), who is undefeated this year with European U20, U23 and Zagreb Open golds under her belt. NEHA (IND), a 57kg bronze medalist from last year, moves up to 59kg, bringing with her a recent silver from the Budapest Ranking Series and gold from the Mongolia Open. Marta HETMANAVA (UWW) and Aubre KRAZER (USA) are also strong contenders for a podium finish.

Unlike her teammate Onishi, Uchida is coming into the competition with a spotless international record. She would like to like that record and it seems that little will trouble her in Samokov.

Some formidable wrestlers include Pan-Am U20 champion Agnia KRAKOVSKA (CAN), Asian U20 champion TAPSYA (IND), European U20 champion Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR), and silver medalist Tindra DALMYR (SWE). A later dropout due to injury was Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), a senior European medalist and former world U20 champion. 

Apart from these two, Japan's line-up includes 2022 world U20 champ Ayano MORO (JPN) at 76kg, 2023 world U17 champs Rinka OGAWA (JPN) at 50kg and Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) at 53kg, So TSUTSUI (JPN) was a 57kg silver medalist at the 2024 world U17 championships, 2023 world and Asia champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) at 68kg and 2024 Asian U20 champ at 65kg Momoko KITADE (JPN).

At 76kg, the favorite to win gold is Ayano MORO (JPN), the 2022 world U20 champion. This weight class promises to be one of the most hotly contested, as Moro will renew her rivalry with PRIYA (IND), who she had defeated to win the title in 2022. The Indian wrestler, who won the U20 title in 2023, recently won silver at the Budapest Ranking Series and gold at Asian U23s and is a two-time world U17 champion.

The division is further stacked with returning bronze medalists Naomi SIMON (USA) and Elmira YASIN (TUR), as well as European U20 champion Nadiia SOKOLOVSKA (UKR) and silver medalist Diana TITOVA (UWW).

Audrey JIMENEZ (USA)Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) is a two-time world U20 silver medalist. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ogawa will have her task cut out at 50kg as two-time world U20 silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA), who is hungry to finally claim a gold medal after two losses in the finals. Jimenez's impressive resume also includes a senior Pan-Am title and 2023 World U23 silver medal. Na HU (CHN), a 2024 world U17 champion, will aim to keep the 50kg title with China, following Yu ZHANG's (CHN) victory last year.

For Masuda at 53kg, the challenge may be tougher. Her weight class includes European U20 bronze medalist Sevval CAYIR (TUR), Asian U20 champ SAARIKA (IND), European U20 champ Anastasiia POLSKA (UKR) and European U20 champ at 50kg Kseniya KOSTSENICH (UWW).

In the highly competitive 55kg weight class, several talented wrestlers are vying for the top spot. Leading the charge is returning silver medalist Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL), who brings a wealth of experience from her training in Japan.

She will face stiff competition from returning bronze medalist and European U23 champion Tuba DEMIR (TUR), Asian U20 and U23 champion REENA (IND), who also secured World U23 and U20 bronze medals in 2023, European U20 champion Gerda TEREK (HUN) and the 2024 Pan-Am U20 champion Everest LEYDECKER (USA). 

With such a deep pool of talented wrestlers, So TSUTSUI (JPN) will face a challenging path to the gold medal, especially against rivals like Byambasuren.

Hoshino, the 2023 world U20 champion, is one of the favorites at 68kg. She is in a deep field with Ayse ERKAN (TUR), a returning silver medalist and European U20 bronze winner and Oleksandra RYBAK (UKR), a strong contender with European U23 bronze and 2024 World U17 silver medals.

The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Eduarda BATISTA (BRA), returning bronze medalist SRISHTI (IND), and Asian U20 champion Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ). A new face, 2025 world U17 champion Wenjin QIU (CHN), aims for her second world title in three weeks.

At 65kg, Beyza AKKUS (TUR), who is returning silver medalist and European U20 champion, is a favorite for the gold. But she’ll have to get past Momoko KITADE (JPN), a 2024 Asian U20 champion. Both Margarita SALNAZARIAN (UWW) and Zaixue RUI (CHN), who were bronze medalists last year, are also strong contenders.

At 72kg, all eyes will be on Jasmine ROBINSON (USA), the defending champion who dominated last year's event. She's a strong favorite to win gold again. However, Yuqi LIU (CHN), the silver medalist, is focused on revenge.

KAJAL (IND), the Asian U20 champion, brings impressive credentials, including silver medals at the World and Asian U17 events this year. Another name to watch is Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (UWW), a European U23 champion who finished fifth last year.

At 62kg, European U20 champion Ruzanna MAMMADOVA (AZE) will look to win a medal after finishing fifth last year at 59kg. But she will have to go past Asian U20 champ ANJLI (IND), who also won silver at World U23 Championships last year and Pan-Am U20 champ Annika FINES (CAN).

Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI)Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI) is a returning silver medalist at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

GRECO-ROMAN

Iran has won five straight team titles in Greco-Roman at the World U20 Championships. But winning the sixth will be challenging. While Iran’s line-up in 2024 was incredible, this year's does not guarantee the same.

The team, however, is still a strong contender, but countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Ukraine have their top wrestlers, and a few top UWW wrestlers are also in.

Leading the charge for Iran is Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI), a returning silver medalist at 130kg. After winning his second Asian U20 gold this year, he's the top contender for gold. Last year, he was stunned in the final by Laszlo DARABOS (HUN), who isn't competing this year. Instead, Koppany LASZLO (HUN) -- a bronze medalist from Budapest Ranking Series -- will take his place.

Other notable names include last year's world and European U17 champion Ivan YANKOVSKYI (UKR), who is making his U20 debut against wrestlers like European U20 silver medalist Ali ILIASOV (UWW) and former world U17 champion Saba PURTSELADZE (GEO). Two-time former world U17 champion Cemal BAKIR (TUR) is also in the mix, looking for his first major U20 success after placing seventh at last year's U20 Worlds and eighth at this year's European U20 Championships.

Payam AHMADI (IRI)Payam AHMADI (IRI) is one of the favorites to win gold medal at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran's gold medal hopes extend to Asian U20 champion Payam AHMADI (IRI), a 2023 world champion at 48kg, and now the front-runner at 55kg.

His biggest challenger is two-time former world U17 champion Turan DASHDAMIROV (AZE), who suffered his first-ever continental loss, taking silver at the European U20 Championships recently. The wrestler who handed him that defeat was Ivan SOLOMIN (UWW), who will be a formidable opponent in Samokov.

Also in the mix is Koba KARUMIDZE (GEO), a European U20 bronze and U23 silver medalist. Having lost to Dashdamirov three times already, he's eager for revenge and a shot at the gold. A dark horse to watch is Anil MOR (IND), who has shown significant improvement this year, winning gold at the Mongolian Open and bronze in Budapest. He had finished 10th last year in Pontevedra.

Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW)Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), world U20 champ at 72kg, will be wrestling at 77kg in Samokov. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

In a different weight class this year, Ahoura BOUVEIRI PIANI (IRI) returns for Iran. After finishing 16th at 72kg last year, he moved up to 77kg. This will be his third World U20s, and he's aiming for his first medal. It'll be a tough challenge, however, as the weight class includes returning world 72kg champion, Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), who was also a world U17 champion in 2023.

Another former world U17 champion, Anri PUTKARADZE (GEO), won the European U20 gold, and is a strong contender for the world title. He's known for his formidable par terre defense and a successful gut-wrench.

The list of contenders also includes European U20 silver medalist Davud MAMMADOV (AZE), who lost to Putkaradze in the 2024 world U17 final but has senior-level experience. Asian U23 champion Akzhan YKYLASSOV (KAZ) is also a notable entry in this stacked weight class.

Georgia brings more podium threats, including European U20 champions Aleksandre RUSITASHVILI (GEO) at 72kg and Luka KOCHALIDZE (GEO) at 87kg. Rusitashvili will face a familiar field at 72kg, led by his European rival, Gaspar TERTERYAN (ARM), a returning ninth from 67kg and 2024 Euro U20s silver medalist.

This weight class is a major focus for Greece, whose best medal hope is former world U17 champion Arionas KOLITSOPOULOS (GRE). He'll be challenged by Ahmadreza MOHAMADIAN (IRI), who is making his U20 debut and seeking revenge after losing to Kolitsopoulos in the 2023 world U17 final.

Other contenders for gold include returning 67kg silver medalist Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ), former world U17 champion Joel ADAMS (USA), and Asian U20 champion Ahmad KODIROV (UZB).

For Kochalidze, repeating his results at 87kg from Euros may be tough, as the weight class features recently crowned world U17 champion, Amirsam MOHAMMADI (IRI).

The competition is further intensified by strong gold medal contenders, including Asian U20 champion and returning bronze medalist Temirlan TURDAKYN (KAZ) and European U20 silver medalist Abdurakhman ABDULKADYROV (UWW).

The 67kg weight class is shaping up to be one of the toughest in Samokov. Erzu ZAKRIEV (UWW), the returning world 63kg champion, is the favorite to claim his second title. Last year, Zakriev was dominant, his only real test coming from Anri KHOZREVANIDZE (GEO) in the semifinals.

Khozrevanidze, who is also moving up to 67kg, won bronze at the European U20s and was the U23 champion. He will be looking to avenge his loss to Zakriev and win gold. Also in the mix is returning silver medalist Otto BLACK (USA). After competing at the senior level in Budapest and Zagreb without medaling, he'll face a new set of challenges with Zakriev and Khozrevanidze now in his weight class.

Zhantoro MIRZALIEV (KGZ), the Asian U20 champion and 2023 world U20 silver medalist, is back with gold on his mind. Vladyslav POKOTYLO (UKR), European U20 silver medalist, and Fayozbek ESHMIRZAEV (UZB), Asian U20 silver medalist, are also strong favorites to reach the podium.

The 60kg weight class is stacked and leading the pack is European U20 champion Aykhan JAVADOV (AZE). He aims to add a world U20 gold to the U17 title he won last year. He will face a familiar rival in senior European bronze medalist Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO), whom Javadov defeated in last year's European U20 final.

Returning bronze medalist Papik DZHAVADIAN (UWW), a Euro U23 bronze medalist, is also a serious contender for gold. Other top names include Isaiah CORTEZ (USA), a 55kg silver last year who has moved up in weight, and Adam SILVERIN (SWE), a European U20 silver medalist hoping to improve on last year's 12th-place finish to earn Sweden its first world U20 medal since 2021.

Former world U17 champion SURAJ (IND) will make his U20 debut and his recent success makes him one of India's strongest medal hopes.

At 97kg, finalists from last year, Darius KIEFER (GER) and Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR), are set to resume their rivalry. Yakushenko is the defending champion, having defeated Kiefer 6-4 in the final last year in addition to beating the German wrestler in the European final as well.

However, Kiefer has already avenged his loss at the European level, defeating Yakushenko to win gold at this year. He is now focused on reversing his world U20 loss.

The field also includes strong contenders like Gor AYVAZYAN (GEO), who won a world U20 silver and European title in 2023 and a world U17 gold in 2022. He finished 12th at the U20 Euros but is a proven threat. Iran's Hadi SEYDI AVENDI (IRI), the Asian U20 champion, also has the talent to go all the way.

The 63kg weight class could be Uzbekistan's chance for gold. Following its recent success at U17 level, Uzbekistan will hope to continue the trend at the U20 Worlds. Senior Asian champion Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) is aiming to win Uzbekistan's first U20 Greco-Roman world title since 2011.

Standing in his way are several top contenders: European U20 champion Igor PUNCHENKO (UWW), silver medalist Tural AHMADOV (AZE), and Asian U20 champion Emirlan DUISHENALIEV (KGZ).

The 82kg weight class can witness former world U17 champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) win gold. He returns as a bronze medalist from last year, is the 2024 senior Asian champion. The field also has Anri DAVITADZE (GEO), whom Yoshida defeated for the bronze in Pontevedra last year.

The top challengers are Asian U20 champion Dias SEITKALIYEV (KAZ) and European U20 champion Mikhail SHKARIN (UWW), who is also a 2024 world U17 champion. Yoshida has a history with Shkarin, having defeated him in a thrilling 8-6 final at the 2023 World U17 Championships.