#WrestleBudapest19

Four Junior World Champions Seek Second World Gold of the Season at #WrestleBudapest

Friday, November 1, 2019 - 08:07 By Taylor Miller

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Photo of Haruna OKUNO (JPN) by Kadir Caliskan.

BUDAPEST, Hungary – The second group of women’s freestyle finals are set with seven countries represented and four 2019 Junior World champions in the mix in Budapest, Hungary, at the 2019 U23 World Championships.

Those seeking their second World titles for the 2019 season are Haruna OKUNO (JPN), Sae NANJO (JPN), Yuzuka INAGAKI (JPN) and Milaimys MARIN POTRILLE (CUB).

Okuno advanced to the 53 kg finals, where she will face 2017 Junior Asian champion Pooja GEHLOT (IND).

Okuno looks to win her sixth overall World championship. In addition to her Junior World title from earlier this year, Okuno has two Senior World gold medals from 2017 and 2018, a U23 World gold from 2017 and a Cadet World gold from 2016.

Wrestling for the title at 57 kg, Nanjo will take on Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) in a rematch of the 2019 Junior World finals. This will be the third time Nanjo and Akobiia have met up in a World tournament.

The last time they wrestled, Nanjo won with a 9-0 decision to pick up her second Junior World gold medal. Nanjo also owns a 7-0 win over Akobiia in the 2017 U23 World quarterfinals. Nanjo went on to win gold at the tournament, and Akobiia scored a bronze medal.

Photo of Milaimys MARIN POTRILLE (CUB) by Kadir Caliskan.

At 62 kg, Inagaki looks to add to her successful year with another World finals bid.

Looking to challenge her is Kayla MIRACLE (USA), who avenged a loss from last year’s U23 World Championships to Ilona PROKOPEVNIUK (UKR) in the semifinals on Thursday.

The other 2019 Junior World champion in the U23 World finals is Milaimys MARIN POTRILLE (CUB), who pinned her way into the gold-medal match.

For the title Marin Potrille will face 2019 Senior World bronze medalist and 2018 U23 World bronze medalist Xiaoqian WANG (CHN).

The other final on Friday night will feature 2019 U23 Asian champion Purevsuren ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) and 2019 Ivan Yariguin silver medalist Misuzu ENOMOTO (JPN) battling for the gold medal at 65 kg.

The finals will take place Friday at 6 p.m. local time live on unitedworldwrestling.

Semifinals results
53 kg
Haruna OKUNO (JPN) df. Anudari NANDINTSETSEG (MGL), 4-0
Pooja GEHLOT (IND) df. Zeynep YETGIL (TUR), 8-4

57 kg
Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) df. Marina SIMONYAN (RUS), fall
Sae NANJO (JPN) df. Hannah TAYLOR (CAN), 14-4

62 kg
Kayla MIRACLE (USA) df. Ilona PROKOPEVNIUK (UKR), fall
Yuzuka INAGAKI (JPN) df. Irina RINGACI (MDA), 13-2

65 kg
Purevsuren ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) df. Madina BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), 7-0
Misuzu ENOMOTO (JPN) df. Kriszta Tunde INCZE (ROU), 4-0

72 kg
Milaimys MARIN POTRILLE (CUB) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), fall
Xiaoqian WANG (CHN) df. Mei SHINDO (JPN), 5-2

Finals matchups
53 kg: Haruna OKUNO (JPN) vs. Pooja GEHLOT (IND)
57 kg: Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) vs. Sae NANJO (JPN)
62 kg: Kayla MIRACLE (USA) vs. Yuzuka INAGAKI (JPN)
65 kg: Purevsuren ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) vs. Misuzu ENOMOTO (JPN)
72 kg: Milaimys MARIN POTRILLE (CUB) vs. Xiaoqian WANG (CHN)

#development

U17 Pan-Ams More Than Medals Camp Sees Highest-Ever Participation

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 09:37 By United World Wrestling Press

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PANAMA CITY, Panama (April 14) -- United World Wrestling’s More Than Medals program reached a new milestone as its 10th edition in Panama recorded its highest participation to date, bringing together 120 athletes from 17 countries across the Americas.

Held from April 6 to 11 in Panama City, the six-day camp reflected the steady growth of the program, both in scale and impact, reinforcing its role as one of UWW’s leading development initiatives in the region.

Since its inception, More Than Medals has been designed to go beyond competition, and the 2026 edition continued that vision by combining high-performance training with education and cultural exchange. The record participation in this milestone edition highlighted the increasing relevance of the program.

On the mat, athletes trained under the guidance of experienced regional coaches, focusing on technical execution, tactical awareness and physical conditioning. Sessions were structured to accommodate different levels, ensuring a productive environment for both emerging and advanced wrestlers.

Off the mat, the educational component remained central to the program. Workshops on anti-doping and sports psychology provided athletes with essential tools to manage performance, decision-making and well-being in high-level environments.

The program also emphasized connection and exchange among participants. Cultural activities, including visits to local natural sites and the Panama Canal, offered opportunities for athletes to interact outside of training, strengthening relationships across national boundaries.