#WrestleTallinn

Arujau Ascends to World Finals, Upsets Reigning World Champ Idrisov

Monday, August 12, 2019 - 16:22 By Eric Olanowski

Share this article

TALLINN, Estonia (August 12) – Vitali ARUJAU (USA) ascended to Tuesday night’s junior world finals after upsetting returning world champion Akhmed IDRISOV (RUS), 8-1 in their 57kg semifinals bout. 

Arujau, a 2016 cadet world runner-up, scored two takedowns and a pair of two-point exposures en route to the unexpected seven-point victory over the Russian wrestler who was one of three returning freestyle world champions looking to win back-to-back titles.

In the opening period, Arujau snatched a high-single leg, and with his opponent hobbling on one foot, the American thunderously swept out the leg of Idrisov and gained the 2-0 advantage. Arujau conceded a step out and slid into the second period with the 2-1 lead. 

In the closing period, Arujau transitioned from a double to a single leg and instead of finishing the move on his feet, the American exposed his Idrisov’s back and extended his lead to 4-1. 

Down by three points, Arujau’s opponent picked up his offensive urgency and shot a double but couldn’t penetrate the defense of the American. With his opponent caught undeath, Arujau capitalized on the Russian wrestler’s mistake and exposed his back for the second time in the period and widened his advantage to 6-1. 

Even with the five-point lead and short time remaining, Arujau remained in attack mode and tacked on another takedown. He ultimately picked up the upset win over the reigning world champion, 8-1 and reached the world finals for the first time since falling in the 2016 cadet world finals. 

Arujau will wrestle Toshiya ABE (JPN) on Tuesday night in the 57kg finals. Abe scored a takedown and three leg laces to build an early 8-0 lead over Vrezh GEVORGYAN (ARM). Though he wasn’t able to close the match out early, the three-time world team representative picked up the 10-3 victory and cemented his first podium finish at a World Championships. 

The finals on Tuesday night begin at 18:00 (local time) and can be watched live on www.unitedworldwresting.org.

RESULTS 
57kg 
GOLD - Vitali ARUJAU (USA) vs. Toshiya ABE (JPN) 
SEMIFINAL - Toshiya ABE (JPN) df. Vrezh GEVORGYAN (ARM), 10-3
SEMIFINAL - Vitali ARUJAU (USA) df. Akhmed IDRISOV (RUS), 8-1 

65kg
GOLD - Amirhossein MAGHSOUDI (IRI) vs. Kurban SHIRAEV (RUS)
SEMIFINAL – Amirhossein MAGHSOUDI (IRI) df. Ahmet Salim YIGIT (TUR), 7-0
SEMIFINAL – Kurban SHIRAEV (RUS) df. Syrbaz TALGAT (KAZ), 5-2 

70kg
GOLD - Vasile DIACON (MDA) vs. Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR)
SEMIFINAL – Vasile DIACON (MDA) df. Mohmmadsadegh FIROUZPOURBANDPEI (IRI), 5-5 
SEMIFINAL – Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR) df. Omer Faruk CAYIR (TUR), 2-1 

79kg
GOLD - Bagrati GAGNIDZE (GEO) vs. Amkhad TASHUKHADZHIEV (RUS)
SEMIFINAL – Amkhad TASHUKHADZHIEV (RUS) df. Arman AVAGYAN (ARM), 3-2
SEMIFINAL – Bagrati GAGNIDZE (GEO) df. Milan MESTER (HUN), 2-1 

97kg
GOLD - Yonger BASTIDA POMARES (CUB) vs. Abbas Ali FOROUTANRAMI (IRI)
SEMIFINAL – Yonger Pauli BASTIDA POMARES (CUB) df. Makhsud VEYSALOV (UZB), 4-3 
SEMIFINAL –  Abbas Ali FOROUTANRAMI (IRI) df. Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR), 4-2 

Development

United World Wrestling's Commitment: Empowering Athletes and Coaches for the Paris Olympics

Monday, July 22, 2024 - 19:17 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 22) -- In a remarkable demonstration of dedication and support for athletes, United World Wrestling (UWW) has played an important role in helping athletes qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Olympic Solidarity, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and UWW Development, a total of 213 athletes and coaches benefited from the UWW Technical Assistance for the continental qualifiers and participated in acclimatization camps ahead of the continental qualifiers for the Paris Olympics.

In total, over 200,000 CHF has been invested globally in helping athletes qualify for the Games via continental qualifiers. This substantial financial commitment underscores UWW's unwavering dedication to nurturing wrestling talent and fostering elite-level development of the sport worldwide.

Athletes Qualified for the Paris Olympic Games
The result of this concerted effort has been outstanding, with 9 athletes under UWW financial support from 4 different nations successfully qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.

The following athletes have secured their spots at the Paris Olympic Games via the continental qualifiers:

  • Chaimaa Fouzia Aouissi (ALG)
  • Bacar Ndum (GBS)
  • Diamantino Iuna Fafe (GBS)
  • Oussama Assad (MAR)
  • Gaku Akazawa (SAM)
  • Tayla Tuahine Ford (NZL)
  • Genesis Rosangela Reasco Valdez (ECU)
  • Darian Toi Ruz (PUR)
  • Ethan Adrian Ramos (PUR)

In addition, last year, through UWW Technical Assistance provided during the Senior World Championships (1st phase of the Paris OG qualifier), 3 athletes secured their qualification for the Paris Olympic Games. These athletes are:

  • Sebastian C Rivera (PUR)
  • Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL)
  • Tatiana Renteria Renteria (COL)

In total 12 athletes benefited from the UWW financial support qualified spots for the Paris Olympic Games.

Refugee Athletes
With the support of Olympic Solidarity, the following refugee athletes have also qualified and will be part of the Refugee Olympic Team:

  • Iman MAHDAVI
  • Jamal VALIZADEH

Empowering Female Coaches at Elite Level
In addition to the athletes, the Olympic Solidarity and UWW Women in Sport High-Performance (WISH) program has made a significant advancement for gender equality in wrestling.

Three WISH program coaches attended the continental Olympic qualifiers:

  • Marwa Amri (TUN)
  • Carissa Holland (AUS)
  • Happiness Enugu Burutu (NGR)

This initiative marks a significant step forward for the sport of wrestling, contributing to the expansion of elite female coaches participating in high-level international competitions.

Safeguarding Athletes at Olympic Qualifiers
In alignment with IOC recommendations, United World Wrestling (UWW) has taken proactive measures to safeguard athletes participating in championships and Olympic Qualifiers. Dedicated staff members have been stationed at these events to provide vigilant oversight and ensure athletes' safety, protecting them from any form of harassment or abuse.

UWW's steadfast commitment to athlete welfare extends beyond competition success, prioritizing their well-being and creating a secure environment conducive to athletic excellence. By implementing these measures, UWW upholds the principles of fairness, respect, and integrity, fostering a culture where athletes can thrive and pursue their Olympic aspirations, reinforcing the organization's role as a guardian of athlete rights and dignity on the global stage.

United World Wrestling's comprehensive support system, encompassing financial aid, technical assistance, and development programs, has been crucial in helping athletes and coaches achieve their dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. This initiative not only highlights the global reach and impact of UWW but also underscores its commitment to fostering talent and promoting gender equality and inclusion in the sport of wrestling. As the countdown to the Paris Olympic Games continues, the success stories of these athletes and coaches will undoubtedly inspire future generations of wrestlers worldwide.