Obituary

Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, First Kazakh to Win Olympic Gold, Dies at 69

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 3) -- Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, who won Olympic gold for the U.S.S.R  in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Moscow Games in 1980, has died. He was 69.

Ushkempirov was the first ethnic Kazakh to win an Olympic gold in wrestling and became a national star following his performance. To honor his achievements, there is an international Junior Greco-Roman wrestling tournament named "Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov" held annually in the nation of Kazakhstan. He was also inducted into the UWW Hall of Fame in 2014.

In addition to his Olympic gold, Ushkempirov was a 1981 World champion, 1980 European silver medallist, USSR Champion (1975,1980), and Honored Master of Sports of USSR (1980). 

Ushkempirov also received the Labor of Kazakhstan award as well as the honors of "Barys", "Badge of Honor", "Parasat".

Ushkempirov

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UWW to review Chamizo-Bayramov bout after Italy complain

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 11) -- United World Wrestling has received an official complaint from the Italian Wrestling Federation (FIJLKAM) regarding the 74kg semifinal at the European OG Qualifier in Baku, April between Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) and Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE).

 UWW has an unwavering commitment to the integrity of wrestling and has already received the report from its refereeing body as well as the referee delegates of the competition. All actions of the bouts, refereeing decisions and challenges will be carefully and independently reviewed to determine all responsibilities and take necessary and appropriate sanctions. All other declarations made around this bout and the integrity of all involved individuals will also be subject to an investigation by UWW.

Chamizo and Bayramov wrestled in the 74kg semifinal in Baku and Bayramov won 8-8 to qualify Azerbaijan for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.