#Yariguin2019

Yariguin Final Pairings Set for Saturday Night

Friday, January 25, 2019 - 20:50 By Eric Olanowski

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KRASNOYARSK, Russia (January 25) -  The Russian Federation inserted at least one wrestler into the finals in six of the seven weight classes that'll be up for the taking on Saturday night. 

In freestyle, Russia continued to plow through the competition and prove why they’re the most dominant freestyle nation in the world. They followed Friday's three gold medal performances by claiming five of Saturday’s six finals spots. 

Turkish big-man Taha AKGUL, a two-time world and Rio Olympic champion, is the only non-Russian freestyle wrestler that'll compete for a gold medal on Saturday night. He'll wrestle Anzor KHIZRIEV (RUS) in the 125kg gold-medal match. 

In women’s wrestling, Russia won a pair of gold medals on Friday night and has an opportunity to claim three additional golds on Saturday night when five wrestlers compete in the finals. 

The lone weight class where a non-Russian woman can claim a Yariguin gold medal is at 68kg. This weight class will feature the all-Mongolian battle between 2015 world champion SORONZONBOLD Battsetseg and ENKH AMAR Davaanasan. 

The finals are set to begin on Saturday at 18:00 (local time). 

Finals Matchups

Freestyle 
65kg - Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS) vs. Nachyn KUULAR (RUS)
79kg - Akhmed GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) vs. Magomed RAMAZANOV (RUS)
125kg - Taha AKGUL (TUR) vs. Anzor KHIZRIEV (RUS)

Women’s Wrestling 
53kg - Natalia MALYSHEVA (RUS) vs. Sarah Ann HILDEBRANDT (USA)
57kg - Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) vs. Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL)
62kg - Anzhela FOMENKO (RUS) vs. Anna SHCHERBAKOVA (RUS)
68kg -  Battsetseg SORONZONBOLD (MGL) vs. ENKH AMAR Davaanasan (MGL)

UWW Statement on 2026 World Championships

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 02:19 By United World Wrestling Press

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Joint Statement from United World Wrestling, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel. While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority.

As organizations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so the competition host can be identified and the event can be prepared in a professional and orderly manner.

Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family -- athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world -- for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works with the national members in close cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its community worldwide.

Further updates regarding future dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.