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More than Medals Asia 2024 wraps up in Jordan

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 17:21 By United World Wrestling Press

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DEAD SEA, Jordan (July 31, 2024) - The "More than Medals Asia 2024" training camp, organized by United World Wrestling in cooperation with the Jordan Wrestling Federation, was held from June 26 to July 3, 2024, at the Grand East Hotel on the Dead Sea, Jordan. This camp aimed to provide a platform for wrestlers and coaches from various countries to come together, exchange experiences, and enhance their skills in the sport of wrestling.

Participation
A total of 35 wrestlers and coaches from six countries actively participated in the training camp. The diverse representation added to the cultural exchange and enriched the learning experience for all participants.

Training Sessions
The training sessions were expertly led by UWW Educator and two-time Olympian Hassan Madany from Egypt. His vast experience and expertise provided invaluable insights and guidance to the young athletes. Through a combination of practical drills and theoretical lessons, participants were able to enhance their skills, techniques, and understanding of wrestling, making significant progress in their development.

Antidoping Seminar
As part of the camp, an antidoping seminar was conducted by officials from the Jordan National Anti-Doping Agency (JOR NADA). The seminar aimed to raise awareness about antidoping regulations and promote clean and fair competition among the athletes. Participants gained valuable insights into the importance of maintaining integrity in sports.

Lecture on Wrestler Nutrition
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tamimi from the University of Baghdad's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences delivered a comprehensive lecture on wrestler nutrition during and after competition. Dr. Al-Tamimi, who also led the Iraqi team at the camp, shared his extensive knowledge on dietary strategies to optimize performance and recovery. The lecture provided participants with practical advice and scientific insights, equipping them with the necessary tools to manage their nutrition effectively throughout their wrestling careers.

Coach Course
Hassan Madany also conducted a comprehensive coach course, offering theoretical material from UWW coach courses. The session included discussions on training methods, athlete safety, and the quality of coaching. Coaches had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange best practices, and explore strategies to enhance their coaching skills and better support their athletes' development.

Sightseeing Tou
Participants enjoyed a sightseeing tour to the famous Mount Nebo, the memorial of Moses. They explored the historical site and appreciated its significance. The tour included a lunch at a restaurant with a stunning view of Mount Nebo, offering a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and relaxation. Additionally, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the local history and traditions, enhancing their overall experience of Jordan's rich heritage.

Conclusion
The 2024 More than Medals Asia training camp in Jordan was a resounding success, providing invaluable experiences and learning opportunities for all participants. Participants expressed their happiness and satisfaction with the camp, noting the positive impact it had on their development and team spirit. This camp not only focused on athletic development but also on cultural exchange and personal growth.

We extend our gratitude to the Jordan Wrestling Federation for their support and cooperation in organizing this event. The success of this training camp highlights the importance of such initiatives in promoting the development of wrestling in Asia. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support and nurture young wrestling talents in the region.

 

#WrestleUlaanbaatar

From 8-0 to 17-10: Amouzad Stuns Mamedov to Win 65kg Gold

Sunday, June 7, 2026 - 19:51 By Vinay Siwach

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ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (June 7) -- Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) rarely falls behind in a bout. The last time was at the Paris Olympics final in 2024 when Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) stormed to a 10-1 lead and Amouzad failed to cover the deficit and lost 10-3.

The 23-year-old has since went on to win gold medals at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, the World Championships and the Islamic Solidarity Games, all in 2025. In the 14 matches last year, he did not let his opponent take the lead.

But on Sunday, Amouzad was staring at his first loss in two years and an uphill task of overcoming an 8-0 lead by Shamil MAMEDOV (BUL) in the 65kg final at the Ulaanbaatar Open.

Both Mamedov and Amouzad made their way to the 65kg final in the Mongolian capital and set up a top-tier clash, three years after they first clashed at the 2023 World Championships bronze-medal bout which the former won.

While Mamedov had began his 2026 season at the European Championships, Amouzad was wrestling for the first time this year.

Amouzad opened the bout aggressively as is the norm. But it was Mamedov who struck first.

Mamedov lifted the Iranian on his shoulders and then brought him down for four points. He did not let Amouzad settle on the mat for defense and rolled him twice using a gut-wrench to lead 8-0 before Amouzad defended the next turn, that would have ended the final.

Shamil MAMEDOV (BUL)Shamil MAMEDOV (BUL) loads to throw Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) at the start of their 65kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

As the referee asked the wrestlers to return to neutral with 4:10 left, it was Iran's coach Pejman DOROSTKAR who signaled Amouzad to remain calm. Perhaps he knew that Amouzad can still win. May be even Amouzad believed.

Amouzad began his comeback with a stepout two seconds later. He snapped hard and pressured Mamedov who was slowly showing signs of weak conditioning. The 30-second break came just in time for Mamedov, who led 8-1.

But a monstrous second period awaited both wrestlers. Amouzad scored two stepouts in a minute to make it 8-3 but Mamedov scored a takedown just when it looked it he had nothing left. With a 10-3 lead, it seemed that Mamedov will be able to defend that with 1:22 left.

Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI)Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) scored 14 unanswered points on Shamil MAMEDOV (BUL) in the 65kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Amouzad scored a takedown five seconds later: 10-5. Mamedov was still fighting and defending but the pressure from Amouzad was unstoppable as the Iranian scored another stepout: 10-6. He made it 10-7 with 50 seconds left with another stepout.

Then came the double-leg attack that changed the bout. Amouzad quickly swept on Mamedov's left leg and the Bulgarian, struggling with conditioning, was slow to defend it as Amouzad wrapped the other leg as well and jumped with Mamedov landing on the mat in danger for four points. Amouzad scored a two-point exposure and then a complete turn to lead 15-10. It all changed all of a sudden.

Mamedov kept helpless as he legs became heavier to move and Amouzad found new spring in his steps. The Iranian scored one more takedown before the final whistle to complete a remarkable comeback and win 17-10, having scored 14 unanswered points in 82 seconds.

Amouzad is not unbeaten in his last 17 bouts and has lost only two matches out of his last 30 internationally.

Musa MEKHTIKHANOV (RUS)Musa MEKHTIKHANOV (RUS) hits a fireman's carry on Chong Song HAN (PRK) during the 57kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

The other world champion in action on Sunday at the Ulaanbaatar Open, Chong Song HAN (PRK) failed to complete a comeback like Amouzad. Han suffered a heartbreaking 6-6 criteria loss to European silver medalist Musa MEKHTIKHANOV (RUS) in the 57kg final.

Mekhtikhanov hit a mesmerizing fireman's carry for four points while he was on the 30-second activity clock. Han responded with a two-point exposure using a front headlock in the same sequence to make it 4-2. As Han tried the headlock again, Mekhtikhanov blocked him and held his back on the mat for two points to extend his lead to 6-2 at the break.

Han closed the gap with a stepout and hit a leg-attack to score two points via exposure and make it 6-5. As the sequence continued, Han and Mekhtikhanov went neutral and then Han scored a go-behind which was surprisingly scored only one point which made it 6-6.

Mekhtikhanov, with his criteria lead due to the bigger move, defended his lead for the remaining 50 seconds to upset the world champion and claim the gold medal.  

Russia won two more golds as the Khaniev brothers captured their first-ever gold medals at a United World Wrestling senior tournaments. Ismail at 79kg completed a 10-0 technical superiority over U20 world champion Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI) in the final to win gold. This was his fourth victory via superiority in Ulaanbaatar.

His brother Takhir began slowly but he also won the 97kg final with technical superiority, 10-0, against Demchigdorj TUMURBAATAR (MGL).

India Wins 2 Golds

India won two golds both at the expense of Kazakhstan, a welcome result for the country. At 61kg, unheralded DEEPAK (IND) defeated Assyl AITAKYN (KAZ), 6-0, in the final to capture the first gold.

Asian bronze medalist DINESH (IND) then held off U20 world champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), 2-0, with both points coming from Kassimbek's passivity.

Host Mongolia won gold through Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) at 70kg after his opponent in the final, Rustamzhan KAKHAROV (KGZ), injury defaulted. Tumur Ochir also avenged his Asian Championships final loss to ABHIMANYOU (IND), 9-0, earlier in the day.

RESULTS

57kg
GOLD: Musa MEKHTIKHANOV (RUS) df. Chongsong HAN (PRK), 6-6

BRONZE: SUMIT (IND) df. Abzal OKENOV (KAZ), 6-3
BRONZE: Meirambek KARTBAY (KAZ) df. Aiaal BELOLYUBSKII (TJK), 8-0

61kg
GOLD: DEEPAK (IND) df. Assyl AITAKYN (KAZ), 6-0

BRONZE: Adilet ALMUKHAMEDOV (KAZ) df. Bair BAIANDUEV (RUS), 4-0
BRONZE: Ahora KHATERI (IRI) df. Batnasan GANKHULEG (MGL), 7-0

65kg
GOLD: Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) df. Shamil MAMEDOV (BUL), 17-10

BRONZE: Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) df. Adlan ASKAROV (KAZ), 7-6
BRONZE: Mohit KUMAR (IND) df. Ossimzhan DASTANBEK (KAZ), 17-6

70kg
GOLD: Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) df. Rustamzhan KAKHAROV (KGZ), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Magomed ELTEMIROV (RUS) df. ABHIMANYOU (IND), 10-0
BRONZE: Aden SAKYBAEV (KGZ) df. Usukhbayar BAATARKHUU (MGL), 4-3

79kg
GOLD: Ismail KHANIEV (RUS) df. Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI), 10-0

BRONZE: Shamsat TAIR (KAZ) df. Nurdaulet KUANYSHBAY (KAZ), 5-4
BRONZE: Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL) df. Sandeep MANN (IND), 10-0

97kg
GOLD: Takhir KHANIEV (RUS) df. Demchigdorj TUMURBAATAR (MGL), 10-0

BRONZE: VICKY (IND) df. Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL), 4-0
BRONZE: TUXIGE (CHN) df. Nurdaulet BEKENOV (KAZ), 11-0

125kg
GOLD: DINESH (IND) df. Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), 2-0

BRONZE: Robert BARAN (POL) df. Timur KOTAEV (RUS), 13-2
BRONZE: Kamil KOSCIOLEK (POL) df. Jose DIAZ (VEN), 4-2