#WrestleBudapest

After 623 Days, World Championships Return with Cadets' in Budapest

Saturday, July 17, 2021 - 18:50 By Vinay Siwach

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BUDAPEST, Hungary (July 18) --- When the wrestlers take the mat Monday in Budapest, Hungary, it will mark the start of a World Championships for United World Wrestling after a gap of 623 days. The last time wrestlers descended for a World Championships was back in October, 2019, incidentally in Budapest.

Though the event in Budapest will be a cadet level, more than 500 wrestlers will fight for 30 gold medals on offer in the Hungarian capital from July 19 to 25.

With the Tokyo Olympics beginning in the middle of the cadet Worlds, it may serve as extra motivation for a few who will go on to represent their respective countries in the Olympics in Paris or Los Angeles over the next two Olympic cycles.

Since the start of this year, United World Wrestling has successfully conducted international events including four Olympic qualifying tournaments, three senior continental championships, and two continental championships at the cadet level. The World Championships will only add to the success story of wrestling competitions being organized with highest preventive measures in place during the pandemic.

Six countries are bringing a full squad for 30 wrestlers each for the tournament with defending team champion in freestyle Russian Federation leading the way. Greco-Roman champions from the 2019 tournament in Sofia, Iran will look to defend their title as well.

Two international women's powerhouses Japan and China decided to give the tournament a skip owing to COVID-19 related restrictions around the world. But this gives teams like USA, third in Sofia, Russia, India and others to lay their claim for the team title.

This tournament will also see two wrestlers from the United Arab Emirates competing at the cadet Worlds for the first time after one each at the 2015 and 2016 editions.

A special condition will see Musza ARSUNKAEV (UWW) wrestling at 80kg in men's freestyle. under the United World Wrestling flag.

While the dull of 2020 saw many cadet stars shift to junior and senior groups and continue their careers, a few medalists from Sofia landed in Budapest to repeat their achievement from two years ago.

The field will be led by the only returning world champion KOMAL (IND) who won the gold medal at 40kg two years back. She will be jumping up to 46kg in Budapest.

Amit ELOR USAAmit ELOR (USA) won a bronze medal at 69kg at the cadet World Championships in 2019. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Amit ELOR (USA), a bronze medalist at 69kg from Sofia, will look to improve on her result from two years ago. She will once again wrestle at 69kg. She had lost in the semifinal last time.

With Japan and China missing from the field, the fight for the team title will be interesting especially with Ukraine women's wrestling seeing an unprecedented rise in recent times.

For that reason, all four medalists from five weight classes of cadet Euros are wrestling in Budapest. 33 medalists out of the 39 in Samokov will be in action in Hungary. All 10 gold medalists are entered.

At 40kg, Anastasiia POLSKA (UKR) won the gold at cadet Euros while her teammates from Ukraine -- Mariia YEFREMOVA (UKR)) and Iryna BONDAR (UKR) – won the top medals at 49kg and 61kg respectively .

Russia also had a few gold medalists as Millena VINOGRADOVA (RUS) won at 43kg, Natalia KHRAMENKOVA (RUS) won at 53kg and Mariia AKULINCHEVA (RUS) won at 73kg.

Belarus is sending 49kg gold medalist Sviatlana KATENKA (BLR) in a hope that she repeats her feat at the world level. The same will be expected from Viktoryia RADZKOVA (BLR) at 69kg.

Georgiana LIRCA (ROU) and Angelina PERVUKHINA (RUS) will hope for a rematch at 57kg as the Romanian came out on top in the last month's tournament.

The home country has pinned their hopes for a gold medal on Eniko ELEKES (HUN) who stunned the field at 65kg in Samokov to win the gold medal.

Kamronbek KADAMOV UZBKamronbek KADAMOV (UZB) won a silver medal at the 2019 cadet World Championships. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

In freestyle, the two biggest names are Kamronbek KADAMOV (UZB) who won a silver medal at 48kg at the Sofia Worlds but has jumped to 60kg now. The other name is Javid JAVADOV (AZE). He finished fifth in Sofia but he was a young cadet that year. Just a month ago, Javadov won the silver medal at the cadet European Championships at 51kg and will perform at 55kg in Budapest.

Out of the 40 medalists at the cadet Euros in May, 29 are entered to wrestle in Budapest with all four medalists at 80kg and 110kg sending their names.

Andranik AVETISYAN (ARM), who won the gold medal at cadet Euros will look to repeat that success at the world level as well at 55kg. Another Armenian Aren ISRAYELYAN (ARM) will be looking to do the same at 71k.

At 80kg, Oleksandr MAMROSH (UKR) will have challenges from his fellow podium finishers from Samokov, Bulgaria and a chance of rematch against Tornike SAMKHARADZE (GEO) as the two in the finals in Samokov.

Levan LAGVILAVA (FRA) will be out to prove that his cadet Euro gold at 110kg was no fluke as he also has his fellow podium finishers in the field. Add to them the champion from Pan Am Championships James MULLEN (USA).

Other Pan Am champions who are entered in the freestyle field in Budapest are Bowen BASSETT (USA) at 45kg, Luke LILLEDAHL (USA) at 48kg and Beau MANTANONA (USA) at 60kg.

A similar situation awaits in Greco-Roman. However, there is only one returning medalist from Sofia -- Tamazi GLONTI (GEO) who won a bronze at 45kg and will now compete at 55kg.

Tamazi GLONTI GEOTamazi GLONTI (GEO) won a bronze at 45kg at cadet World Championships 2019. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

While Iran has no returning medalist, the new team can still show why they are dubbed as the powerhouse of Greco-Roman wrestling. Along with Iran, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will also be challenging the world.

But a host of medalists from cadet Euros will be in action. Four weight classes have all the four medalists competing in Budapest and a total of 31 medalists out of 40 from Samokov.

Rahim HASANOV (AZE) will be looking to win a world gold as well after winning the Euro gold medal. But in his path will be the three other medalists from the same tournament and Bassett from USA who also won the 45kg Greco-Roman gold in Mexico.

Azerbaijan entered European champ Faraim MUSTAFAYEV (AZE) at 48kg and he will also look for his second gold medal of the year. At 51kg, Borislav KIRILOV (BUL) is the continental champion looking for world glory.

Another Azerbaijani, Farid KHALILOV (AZE) is the European champ entered in Budapest but so is Brock BOBZIEN (USA) who is the champion of Pan Ams at 60kg.

Ukraine will have their Euro champ at 65kg Imed KHUDZHADZE (UKR) looking to win a gold medal at Worlds but Anri PUTKARADZE (GEO), a silver medalist from Samokov, is also entered.

71kg European champion Alexandru SOLOVEI (MDA) is joined by Alperen BERBER (TUR) and Ruslan NURULLAYEV (AZE), silver and bronze medalist from Samkovo respectively.

The field at 80kg makes Achiko BOLKVADZE (GEO) and his fellow medalist -- Mihai GUTU (MDA), Ivan TSYBANEV (UKR) and Maksim MASIUKEVICH (BLR) – face each other again in less than a month's time. Ryder ROGOTZKE (USA), the Pan Am champ will also try to spring a surprise.

At 92kg, a rematch of the Euros is a possibility as gold medalist Vladyslav LUB (UKR) and silver medalist Timur CHERNYSHEV (RUS) are entered along with the two bronze medalists

Two continental champions -- Daniil CHASOVNIKOV (RUS) and Mullen – are entered at 110kg along with other medalists from Europe.

Wrestling will begin Monday with freestyle action in 48kg, 55kg, 65kg, 80kg and 110kg and run through to Sunday with Greco-Roman capping off things.

#WrestlePontevedra

Zhang twins continue growth with U20 Worlds golds

Saturday, September 7, 2024 - 00:46 By Vinay Siwach

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PONTEVEDRA, Spain (September 6) -- A year after winning the U17 continental titles, the Zhang twins are winning world titles together.

Yu ZHANG (CHN) won the 50kg gold medal on Thursday and cheered for her sister Jin who clinched the 53kg gold medal on Friday to give China the second gold medal in Women's Wrestling at the U20 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

The twins, who turn 18 on September 26, dominated their matches on their way to gold with Jin winning her final in just a minute and five seconds over Carla JAUME SOLER (ESP), who is Spain's first wrestler to reach a World Championships at any level or style.

"I felt very nervous at the beginning, but after I came on the mat, I relaxed and I just showed my usual level," Zhang said.

Jin ZHANG (CHN)Jin ZHANG (CHN) pins Carla JAUME (ESP) in the 53kg final at the U20 World Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Zhang scored a takedown using a double-leg and kept Jaume on her back on the mat. Despite Jaume's efforts to avoid the fall, Zhang secured the fall by moving Jaume's head towards the center of the mat than going outside.

This was Zhang's second fall of the tournament while she had won her first two bouts via technical superiority. At the U20 Asian Championships in May, Zhang won two bouts via superiority and two via fall. However, Zhang said she was not satisfied with her performance on Thursday.

"I don’t think it reached the level I expected," she said. "There were some actions where I made a lot of mistakes. I have to go back and summarize them before practicing again."

The sisters have been exchanging notes about wrestling during the competition as they have done in previous competitions. Yu helped Zhang prepare for the final against Jaume.

"We sometimes participate in competitions together," she said. "We can learn from each other, tell yourself or her what shortcomings you have, and teach her how to practice some actions."

Hailing from Shuyang County, Suqian, Jiangsu, the Zhang sisters began wrestling in primary school. It was Yu who was picked by a coach of her school who picked her randomly to participate in the sports meet. Yu liked wrestling and continued her practice.

"When Yu was a child, she was selected by the coach of the city sports school because she was trying to participate in the sports meet," Zhang explained. "Then she started wrestling. Later, she gradually learned more about wrestling, and fell in love with wrestling."

Both have not disappointed so far, winning the U17 Asian golds, U20 Asian gold and bronze and now the U20 world title. Yu Zhang has won senior-level medals as well and continues to support Jin at competitions.

"We usually sit together and have a good chat about the good and bad aspects of our game," Yu Zhang said.

Jasmine ROBINSON (USA)Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) reacts after winning the 72kg final against Yuqi LIU (CHN). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Despite two gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal, China failed to finish on the podium in team rankings. It finished fourth with 99 points, two less than third-placed United States.

The race for the third spot came to the final match of the day as Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) and Yuqi LIU (CHN) clashed in the 72kg final and the winner would have helped its team finish third. The two were unmatched on Thursday, finishing their matches well before time.

Liu began the final with a double-leg takedown and tried a leg lace that she was not able to perform. She continued her attacks but Robinson used a whizzer to get four points. While the pin was not called, Robinson added four more points with a headlock but Liu rolled over for two points.

Just when it looked like Liu would come back in the final after scoring a go-behind to cut the lead to 9-6, Robinson scored exposure and held Liu to win the gold medal.

"My coaches told me to watch out for the leg lace and I am very proud that I did not give that up," Robinson said.

JapanJapan won the Women's Wrestling team title with 149 points. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostandin Andonov)

Japan returned to the top of Women's Wrestling rankings by winning the team title with 149 points. After a record-breaking 230 points in 2022, Japan lost its title to India last year. India finished second in Pontevedra with 130 points and the United States was third with 101 points.

After Sakura ONISHI (JPN) gold on Thursday, Japan added two more to its tally on Friday. Sokawa UCHIDA (JPN) continued her unbeaten international run, winning her third age-group world title. She won the U17 word titles in 2022 and 2023. Her 12-2 win to win gold against Bertha ROJAS (MEX) on Friday was her fourth technical superiority win of the tournament.

Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN)Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) celebrates after winning the 57kg final at the U20 World Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Uchida won the 57kg gold medal while the other was added by Anana IKEHATA (JPN) who won the gold medal at 65kg. 

Uchida, 18, gave no chance to Rojas in the final, using singles and doubles to score the points on takedowns. It was only in the last move that Uchida was turned over by Rojas for exposure and gave up two points.

"It was my first time competing in the U20 level," Uchida said. "I was feeling really nervous, but my excitement was stronger, I was glad that I was able to compete in my own way. It was a great competition, and I am happy to have won."

Comparing her three medals at the World Championships, Uchida picked the one from Friday being the best. "All of them are great, but this one is the best,"

A product of the JOC Elite Academy, Uchida has been trying hard to break into the senior team. However, her third-place finishes in Emperor's and Meiji Cups have not helped her earn that spot.

"This year I will do my best to win the Emperor's Cup," she said. "I'd like to try more types of fake attacks, transitions and tackle speed, and more. There are so many things we need to do. But on the other hand, if I improve on that, I definitely think I can win, so I want to work even harder."

Nana IKEHATA (JPN)Nana IKEHATA (JPN) defeated Beyza AKKUS (TUR) to win the 65kg gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Ikehata, a two-time age-group Asian champion, took more time to finish her 65kg final against Beyza AKKUS (TUR). She won the gold medal after beating Akkus 8-1.

After giving up a point for passivity, Ikehata scored a takedown using a snap and added one more before the break to lead 4-1. In the second period, Akkus showed some fake attacks on Ikehata who countered them and scored two more takedowns to win 8-1.

Continuing her incredible year, Iryna BONDAR (USA) added a U20 world title to her U23 European and Budapest Ranking Series gold medals. She defeated U20 Asian champion NITIKA (IND) 4-1 in the final.

Nitika initiated most attacks and even got various opportunities to score but Bondar had a solid defense and did not get a single point on her.

Bondar has two silver medals from the U23 World Championships and a bronze medal from the U20 Worlds. The gold medal on Friday was her first-ever title at the World Championships.

Nethmi AHINSA (SRI)Nethmi AHINSA (SRI), Sri Lanka's first-ever World Championships medalist in wrestling. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Sri Lanka history

Sri Lanka won its first-ever wrestling medal on the world stage after Nethmi AHINSA (SRI) won the bronze medal at 53kg against Valeryia MIKITSICH (AIN), 6-1. The win makes Ahinsa the first Sri Lanka wrestler to win a medal at any World Championships

Earlier in June, she won a bronze medal at the U20 Asian Championships, becoming the first Sri Lanka to win a medal at any championships in wrestling.

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Jin ZHANG (CHN) df. Carla JAUME SOLER (ESP), via fall

BRONZE: Nethmi AHINSA (SRI) df. Valeryia MIKITSICH (AIN), 6-1
BRONZE: Saki YUMIYA (JPN) df. JYOTI (IND), 6-4

57kg
GOLD: Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) df. Bertha ROJAS CHAVEZ (MEX), 12-2

BRONZE: Marta HETMANAVA (AIN) df. Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), 6-1
BRONZE: NEHA (IND) df. Gerda TEREK (HUN), 10-8

62kg
GOLD: Iryna BONDAR (UKR) df. NITIKA (IND), 4-1

BRONZE: Melanie JIMENEZ (MEX) df. Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), via fall
BRONZE: Nagisa ITO (JPN) df. Selvi ILYASOGLU (TUR), 10-9

65kg
GOLD: Nana IKEHATA (JPN) df. Beyza AKKUS (TUR), 8-1

BRONZE: Margarita SALNAZARIAN (AIN) df. Yuliia PAKHNIUK (UKR), 8-5
BRONZE: Zaixue RUI (CHN) df. SARIKA (IND), 7-3

72kg
GOLD: Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) df. Yuqi LIU (CHN), via fall (11-6)

BRONZE: Elvira ERSSON (SWE) df. Iryna ZABLOTSKA (UKR), 7-1
BRONZE: Noemi OSVATH NAGY (HUN) df. Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (AIN), 9-0

Freestyle Semifinals

57kg
GOLD: Luke LILLEDAHL (USA) vs. Lev PAVLOV (AIN)

SF 1: Luke LILLEDAHL (USA) df. Hayko GASPARYAN (ARM), 4-1
SF 2: Lev PAVLOV (AIN) df. Luka GVINJILIA (GEO), 5-2

65kg
GOLD: Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) vs. Makoto HOSOKAWA (JPN)

SF 1: Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) df. Adam ARKHIEV (AIN), 6-4 
SF 2: Makoto HOSOKAWA (JPN) df. Bowen BASSETT (USA), 10-0

70kg
GOLD: Magomed BAITUKAEV (AIN) vs. Ryoya YAMASHITA (JPN)

SF 1: Magomed BAITUKAEV (AIN) df. Peter DUKE (USA), 5-5
SF 2: Ryoya YAMASHITA (JPN) df. Ali KARAMPOUR (IRI), 13-2

79kg
GOLD: Alp BEGENJOV (TKM) vs. Zackary RYDER (USA)

SF 1: Alp BEGENJOV (TKM) df. AMIT (IND), via fall (11-0)
SF 2: Zackary RYDER (USA) df. Said SAIDULOV (AIN), 6-3

97kg
GOLD: Khetag KARSANOV (AZE) vs. Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ)

SF 1: Khetag KARSANOV (AZE) df. Adam JAKSIK (SVK), via fall
SF 2: Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) df. Justin RADEMACHER (USA), 9-1