Iran, Azerbaijan snap 2 golds in GR at Islamic Solidarity Games

Friday, August 12, 2022 - 22:51 By Ali Feizasa

KONYA, Turkey (August 12) -- Wrestling at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games entered day three with three women's and five Greco-Roman weight classes in action. A few stars performed par expectations and claimed the gold medals.

In Greco-Roman, Azerbaijan and Iran shared two golds each while Uzbekistan won one as well. In women's wrestling, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan won a gold medal each.

The first gold medal of Greco-Roman wrestling went to Azerbaijan as the 2018 world champion and two-time world bronze medalist Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) won by superiority over Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB) in the final match at 55kg. Azizli got a position in par terre and finished the bout with gut wrenches to win 10-1.

Another world champion doubled the gold count for Azerbaijan. Perhaps one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the field, Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) claimed the second gold at 82kg. The 34-year-old, an Olympic bronze medalist, defeated Kalidin ASYKEEV (KGZ), 6-3 in the 82kg final.

Huseynov, the 2022 European champion, struggled a little in the day, especially in his semifinal against Emrah KUS (TUR), which he won narrowly, 2-1.

Iran also won two gold medals with Shirzad BEHESHTI TALA (IRI) winning the 63kg gold while Mohammadreza ROSTAMI (IRI) won the title at 72kg.

In the 63kg final, Beheshti Tala was up against 2022 Asian champion Tynar SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) and was an underdog. Just when it looked like Sharshenbekov will run away with the gold, Beheshti Tala managed to beat him 4-2 and claim the top medal.

Iranian newcomer and former junior world bronze medalist Rostami had an even closer bout against Ulvu GANIZADE (AZE) in the 72kg final.

Ganizade, who has silver medals from the age-group World Championships, led 8-8 and was set to win the final on criteria but Rostami managed to score a stepout late in the final and earned a 9-8 victory.

At 97kg, the battle was between three top wrestlers of this year's Asian championships. Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ) succeed to win the match against Asian champion Mehdi BALI (IRI) 7-3 in the semifinal but 38-year-old Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) ended his dreams of becoming a champion in Konya and claimed the first gold for Uzbekistan Greco-Roman team.

After exchanging passivity, Assakalov managed to get a turn from par terre and managed to hang on for a 3-1 win against Dzhuzupbekov and the gold medal.

Medet Kyzy wins

After Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) won the gold medal at 62kg, Kyrgyzstan won another gold medal in women's wrestling through Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) at 76kg.

Medet Kyzy, a 2021 World bronze medalist, outscored her opponents 40-0 in the four bouts en route to winning gold. In the final, the 23-year-old, who has won gold at U23 Worlds and Asians, earned an easy 10-0 win over Amy AYOUIN (CIV).

The host country also won its second gold medal in women's wrestling as senior European medalist Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) won the 55kg weight class with much ease.

As the wrestlers in the weight class competed in a Nordic bracket, Yetgil had to beat Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) in Round 3 to claim the gold. She ended up pinning Akhmedova and let out an animated celebration in front of the home fans after capturing the title.

On Thursday, Buse TOSUN (TUR) won the gold at 72kg, the first of the Games for Turkey in wrestling.

At 65kg, Yelena SHALYGINA (KAZ) controlled her final against Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) to win the gold medal 3-3 on criteria.

Wrestling at the 5th Islamic Solidarity will continue Saturday, the final day, with five Greco-Roman and two women’s weight categories.

Day 3 Results

Greco-Roman

55kg
GOLD: Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) df. Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB), 10-1

BRONZE: Aslamdzhon AZIZOV (TJK) df. Mohammad HOSSEINVAND (IRI), 8-0
BRONZE: Amangali BEKBOLATOV (KAZ) df. Umit DURDYYEV (TKM), 8-0

63kg
GOLD: Shirzad BEHESHTI TALA (IRI) df. Tynar SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ), 4-2

BRONZE: Firuz MIRZORAJABOV (TJK) df. Turabek TIRKASHEV (UZB), via disqualification
BRONZE: Azatjan ACHILOV (TKM) df. Djebbari ABDELDJEBAR (ALG), 6-3

72kg
GOLD: Mohammadreza ROSTAMI (IRI) df. Ulvu GANIZADE (AZE), 9-8

BRONZE: Murat DAG (TUR) df. Bek KONURBAEV (KGZ), 5-1
BRONZE: Mirzobek RAKHMATOV (UZB) df. Sheroz OCILOV (TJK), 9-0

82kg
GOLD: Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) df. Kalidin ASYKEEV (KGZ), 6-3

BRONZE: Emrah KUS (TUR) df. Toyly ORAZOV (TKM), via fall
BRONZE: Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) df. Damen EID SULTAN (JOR), 9-0

97kg
GOLD: Rustam ASSAKALOV (UZB) df. Uzur DZHUZUPBEKOV (KGZ), 3-1

BRONZE: Beytullah KAYISDAG (TUR) df. Mirzoamin SAFAROV (TJK), 8-0
BRONZE: Mehdi BALI (IRI) df. Boudjemline ADEM (ALG), 4-0

Women’s Wrestling

55kg
Round 3: Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) df. Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB), via fall
Round 3: Elnura MAMMADOVA (AZE) df. Faten HAMMAMI (TUN), 11-0

GOLD: Zeynep YETGIL (TUR)
SILVER: Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB)
BRONZE: Elnura MAMMADOVA (AZE)

65kg
GOLD: Yelena SHALYGINA (KAZ) df. Elis MANOLOVA (AZE), 3-3

BRONZE: Dilnaz SAZANOVA (KGZ) df. Emilienne ETANE NGOLLE (CMR), 8-2

76kg
GOLD: Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) df. Amy AYOUIN (CIV), 10-0

BRONZE: Mehtap GULTEKIN (TUR) df. Inkara ZHANATAYEVA (KAZ), 7-1

#IranWrestling

Inspired by Olympic Gold, Esmaeili's Cousins Win U17 Asian Titles

Friday, June 12, 2026 - 12:33 By Vinay Siwach

DA NANG, Vietnam (June 11) -- When 20-year-old Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) returned to Iran after winning Olympic gold in Greco-Roman 67kg at the Paris Games, he came home with more than just a medal around his neck. He returned with proof that wrestling could change lives.

Raised in poverty in Dezful, Khuzestan Province, Esmaeili's improbable run to Olympic gold transformed him overnight into a national sensation. He was showered with gifts, cash awards and job offers.

The ripples of that triumph are still being felt. Last month, two of Esmaeili's own cousins, Ali ESMAEILI (IRI) and Vahid ASHIRI (IRI), won gold medals at the U17 Asian Championships in Da Nang after taking up wrestling only two years ago, inspired by his Olympic success and the hero's welcome he received back home.

Paris Olympic champion Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI), left, with his cousin Ali who won 48kg gold medal at the U17 Asian Championships.

Ali, whose father is Esmaeili's uncle, competed in Greco-Roman 48kg and won three bouts to capture the gold medal. He outscored his opponents 22-2 including two technical superiority wins.

Another cousin from his mother's side, Ashiri, competed in the Greco-Roman 55kg weight class and was crowned champion after four victories. He defeated wrestlers from India, Jordan, China and Kyrgyzstan with scores of 6-1, 5-2, 11-1, and 3-1 to capture the Asian title.

While they were winning gold medals in Vietnam, Olympic champion Esmaeili was watching from Iran.

"I watched their Asian finals and I always follow their training," Esmaeili told United World Wrestling. "We are from the same club and both are talented."

Ali ESMAEILI (IRI) became the U17 Asian champion at 48kg in Greco-Roman. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

The two took up wrestling at the age of 14 and quickly rose through the province before making it to the Iran team for the U17 Asian Championships. Ali Esmaeili feels that Saeid's presence motivates him to work harder to achieve medals in wrestling.

"I got into wrestling after watching Saeid's Olympic final. In 2 years, with his help, I managed to become the Asian champion. Every time I see Saeid, I feel really good and I am proud of him."

Though Esmaeili trains at the national camp in Tehran, he does not miss a chance to train the youngsters when he returns home and practices in Dezful.

"I tried to answer every question they asked me about wrestling carefully and I also taught them some of my techniques," he said.

Vahid ASHIRI (IRI) claimed the 55kg gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Ashiri also stepped foot in the club after watching Esmaeili's thrilling Paris campaign. Two years later, he is proud to represent both the Esmaeili family and the club.

"After Saeid won the gold medal, I went to the club where he trains and whenever I had any questions, he explained them to me carefully," Ashiri said. "I am truly proud to be a member of the club and a family with such a personality."

The next stop for both Ali and Ashiri will be the U17 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan from July 28 to August 2.

"Just like the Asian Championships, I want to repeat the success at the World Championships," Ali said.

RESULTS

48kg
Final: Ali ESMAEILI (IRI) df. Javokhir SHARIFBOEV (UZB), 4-2
Semifinal: Ali ESMAEILI (IRI) df. Umarali BERDALIEV (KGZ), 9-0
Quarterfinal: Ali ESMAEILI (IRI) df. Liaotan LAN (CHN), 9-0

55kg
Final: Vahid ASHIRI (IRI) df. Syimyk ASKAROV (KGZ), 3-1
Semifinal: Vahid ASHIRI (IRI) df. Zihao ZHANG (CHN), 11-1
Quarterfinal: Vahid ASHIRI (IRI) df. Adam ABU FARE (JOR), 5-2
Qualification: Vahid ASHIRI (IRI) df. HARION (IND), 6-1

Iran, Azerbaijan snap 2 golds in GR at Islamic Solidarity Games

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Inspired by Olympic Gold, Esmaeili's Cousins Win U17 Asian Titles