#JapanWrestling

Higuchi, Susaki reign supreme as two Olympic champs tumble

Saturday, December 24, 2022 - 16:16 By Ken Marantz

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TOKYO (December 24) -- On a day that saw two of her fellow Tokyo Olympic champions tumble to defeat, Yui SUSAKI remained as rock steady as always, while Rei HIGUCHI gave his ambitions for an elusive Olympic gold a further boost.

Susaki continued her dominance of Remina YOSHIMOTO, who held the national and world titles in her absence, cruising to an 8-0 victory in the women's 50kg final at the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Championships on Saturday in Tokyo for her first title since 2019.

Higuchi, coming off winning his first world title at freestyle 61kg, defeated Asian bronze medalist Rikuto ARAI 8-4 to regain the national title at 57kg, the weight class in which he won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics that he is looking to better in Paris in two years.

Meanwhile, a highly anticipated clash between Olympic champion Mayu SHIDOCHI and 2021 world champion Akari FUJINAMI at women's 53kg was put on hold after world 55kg champion Haruna OKUNO crashed the party by beating Shidochi for the first time in 10 career meetings.

Yukako KAWAI became the second Olympic casualty when the gold medalist at women's 62kg was overwhelmed in the semifinals by world 59kg bronze medalist Sakura MOTOKI, who earned a meeting in the final with reigning world champion Nonoka OZAKI.

Takuto OTOGURO, ending a long hiatus with his first competition since winning the Olympic gold at freestyle 65kg, avoided the upset bug by storming into the final with a pair of 10-0 technical falls. Like Susaki and Higuchi, his last national title came in 2019.

For the top wrestlers, the tournament at Tokyo's Komazawa Gym is serving as the first of two domestic qualifying tournaments for next year's World Championships in Belgrade, where the first spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics will be up for grabs.

A medal in an Olympic weight won by a Japanese in Belgrade means an automatic ticket to Paris, thus adding urgency to making the team. Those who lose at the Emperor's Cup will get another shot in June at the Meiji Cup All-Japan Invitational Championships.

Yui SUSAKI (JPN)Yui SUSAKI scores with a counter lift in the women's 50kg final against Remina YOSHIMOTO. (Photo: Takeo Yabuki/Japan Wrestling Federation)

Susaki, whose close call with nearly missing out on the Tokyo Olympics has been well documented, is determined to be in Paris to defend her title and is leaving nothing to chance. As she has done throughout this history-making year, on Saturday she wrestled calmly and decisively, taking advantage of every opportunity and not giving her opponent any openings.

"This is the first step in the qualifying process for the Paris Olympics, and I was able to achieve what I set out to do," Susaki said.

Unlike her typical matches in which she gets a takedown and then rips off four straight lace-lock rolls for a quick victory, Susaki scored all of her points in different ways against Yoshimoto, who had ascended to the national throne in 2020 and 2021 that Susaki had abdicated.

Susaki started with a takedown off a single-leg for a 2-0 lead, then added four points with a counter lift and a gut wrench to go into the break up 6-0. In the second period, Susaki forced a stalemate from a Yoshimoto shot, then spun behind after countering another in the final seconds for her final takedown. She had now beaten Yoshimoto in all five of their career matches.

Yui SUSAKI (JPN)Yui SUSAKI celebrates her victory in the women's 50kg final. (Photo: Takeo Yabuki/Japan Wrestling Federation)

It was a much cleaner and well-executed victory than her 4-2 win over Yoshimoto in the final of the Meiji Cup last June, which remains the only time Susaki has been scored upon in her last 23 matches dating back to early 2021.

"At the Meiji Cup, I watched for the opponent to make a move and didn't stay on the attack to the end, which I regretted," Susaki said. "This time, I kept attacking, so I feel I've cleared that issue."

Susaki, who this year regained the world title she had previously won in 2017 and 2018 in September in Belgrade, also picked up the only major title missing from her collection a month later by capturing the world U23 gold. That completed an unprecedented "Grand Slam" of Olympic gold and all four age-group titles.

Asked about the pressure of Olympic qualifying, she replied, "I don't feel tension. Like before the Tokyo Olympics, I feel more excited that the qualifying for the Olympics has started."

Susaki said she watched the other Olympic champions fall on a monitor in the warmup room, and that it makes her more determined to maintain her focus on the journey ahead.

"The younger wrestlers and others all have their own goals and have been making progress in trying to achieve them," Susaki said. "It makes me feel I have to keep trying even harder and aim higher."

Rei HIGUCHI (JPN)Rei HIGUCHI won his first world title in September in Belgrade at 61kg. (Photo: UWW/Kadir Caliskan)

Higuchi's victory in the 57kg final, which gave him his fourth career title, was noteworthy in that his opponent spent about half of the match on his back, a credit perhaps to him that he could avoid the fall. The two often practice together at Nippon Sport Science University, where they are both alumni.

Early in the match, Higuchi caught Arai in a cradle to his back, then switched it to a Turk ride with a cross-face. For more than two minutes, Arai managed to keep a shoulder off the mat until he was saved by the buzzer ending the period.

Higuchi added a takedown off a counter to go up 6-0. But Arai, who had knocked off 2021 world 61kg bronze medalist Toshihiro HASEGAWA in the quarterfinals, came back to life with a counter lift and gut wrench to cut the lead to two.

Higuchi then put the match away with a single-leg attack to exposure, from which he again went to the Turk ride and cross-face and held Arai on his back for the final 1:10 of the match.

"This is the first of the tournaments that I have to win out at, but I went in with the feeling of being the challenger and stayed relaxed and stayed aggressive," Higuchi said. "In the final, after I gave up points I immediately came back and scored myself. I give myself a passing grade for the effort."

For Higuchi, the effort involves a battle with the scale. He famously failed to make weight for the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament, which indirectly led to him missing out on the Tokyo Games.

When it comes to strength and skill, he said he feels he showed he could more than hold his own by winning the world title in the heavier weight class.

"Losing weight is tough," he said. "I was able to win the world title at 61kg. I showed I had the power and technique to be No. 1 in the world. I think I brought that to 57kg."

In other finals, 2021 world bronze medalist Sae NANJO followed up her semifinal victory over world champion Tsugumi SAKURAI by regaining the women's 57kg title with a victory over Asian 59kg champion Sara NATAMI.

Leading 1-0 in the second period, Nanjo countered a single-leg shot by Natami by slapping a cradle on her, then twisted her onto her back for a fall in 4:01. The victory gave Nanjo her fourth career title and first since 2020.

Kyotaro SOGABE (JPN)Kyotaro SOGABE celebrates his victory in the Greco 67kg final over Katsuaki ENDO.  (Photo: Takeo Yabuki/Japan Wrestling Federation)

Collegian Kyotaro SOGABE finally reached the pinnacle that has been expected of him since his days as a high school star, beating defending champion and senior training partner Katsuaki ENDO 9-3 for the gold in Greco 67kg.

Sogabe led 3-1 when he came up on top in a late second-period scramble, then added a pair of gut wrenches to avenge a loss in the Meiji Cup final last June to Endo, an Asian bronze medalist this year and 2018 world U23 champion.

A junior at Endo's alma mater of Nippon Sports Science University, Sogabe finished second at this year's Wladyslaw Pytlasinski Cup in Warsaw, which he followed with a world U20 bronze medal.

Not bad for a wrestler who won three national high school titles despite the fact that his high school in rural Ehime Prefecture did not have a team, forcing him to practice at another school.

Takuto OTOGURO (JPN)Takuto OTOGURO puts the pressure on Kaiji OGINO during their semifinal match at freestyle 65kg. (Photo: Takeo Yabuki/Japan Wrestling Federation)

Otoguro, Fujinami cruise

Following the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's medalists all took some time off before gradually returning to the mat. Otoguro was the last one to end his hiatus, and his performance Saturday made it look like he had never been away.

And technically speaking, he wasn't. He may not have been competing, but he was still practicing hard as a member of the Self-Defense Forces Physical Training School team.

"In the past, I've gone a year or two without a competitive match, and then suddenly came back," said Otoguro, who has endured his share of injuries. "Because of that experience, it wasn't like there was anything different than usual this time. Instead of matches, I'm practicing every day. So I've got a solid foundation."

In the semifinals, Otoguro easily defeated Kaiji OGINO -- a student at Otoguro's alma mater of Yamanashi Gakuin University -- by 10-0 technical fall in 1:49 to advance to the final against world U23 bronze medalist Ryoma ANRAKU.

Fujinami is also returning from a layoff, although hers was unforced as injuries forced her to skip both the senior worlds and the world U23. She said she has completely recovered, and showed it with back-to-back technical falls to advance to the women's 53kg final against Okuno.

"It was my first match in four months, and I feel I've got my mat sense back leading into tomorrow," said Fujinami, whose victories extended her current winning streak to 105 matches that includes those in the run to the 2021 senior world title.

The 19-year-old Fujinami has beaten Okuno in all three of their previous encounters, most recently a 4-0 victory in the final at last June's Meiji Cup.

Haruna OKUNO (JPN)Haruna OKUNO, left, notched her first victory over Mayu SHIDOCHI in 10 career meetings to advance to the women's 53kg final. (Photo: Takeo Yabuki/Japan Wrestling Federation)

But Okuno, a two-time senior world champion who added a third world U23 gold this year, showed she might be a different wrestler than before with her stunning win over Shidochi.

In a match that saw only a few shots, all defended well by both wrestlers, Okuno defeated Shidochi 3-1 with all but one point scored on the activity clock. Okuno was on the receiving end of two of them, then clinched the match when Shidochi stepped out while having Okuno in a front headlock with :32 left.

Neither wrestler made themselves available to the media after the match.

Sakura MOTOKI (JPN)Sakura MOTOKI gains control of Yukako KAWAI during their women's 62kg semifinal match. (Photo: Takeo Yabuki/Japan Wrestling Federation)

Kawai also wouldn't offer any comments on her one-sided loss to Motoki, who stormed to a 9-2 victory in which all of the points were scored in the first period.

Motoki opened with a pair of takedowns, then added two two-point exposures from a chicken wing hold. Kawai had a chance to snatch a victory when she put Motoki on her back during a scramble, but Motoki squirmed free and scored a reversal.

When the final buzzer sounded, Kawai dropped to her knees, having apparently suffered a left leg injury sometime during the bout. She had to be helped off the mat.

The victory earns Motoki a clash with one of Japan's hottest wrestlers, Nonoka OZAKI, who has put together a string of titles this year that include the world U20, senior and U23 titles in succession over a three-month span. She also beat Kawai in the Meiji Cup final in June.

The 19-year-old Ozaki's lone loss dating back to August 2017 came in the second round of the 2021 World Championships to eventual champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ), a defeat she has since avenged. She advanced to the final on Sunday with a pair of technical falls.

"This is one tournament related to qualifying for the Paris Olympics, so I prepared myself more than I had ever done before and am confident of winning the title," Ozaki said. "My spirit is in sync with my body and I'm moving very well."

As for the unexpected change in her final opponent, she said, "I never concern myself with who the opponent is, only that I do what I need to do. I'm always nervous in a match and have various emotions, but this tournament I'm really enjoying myself, so I have good vibes going."

At Greco 60kg, Olympic silver medalist Kenichiro FUMITA advanced to the final with a 9-0 technical fall over Kosei TAKESHITA as he aims for his fourth career title and first in two years.

He will face Maito KAWANA, who defeated defending champion Ayata SUZUKI in the quarterfinals.

Day 3 Results

Freestyle

57kg (11 entries)
Gold - Rei HIGUCHI df. Rikuto ARAI, 8-4

Bronze - Ryuto SAKAKI df. Toshihiro HASEGAWA, 4-1
Bronze - Yuto NISHIUCHI df. Yuki TAKAHASHI by Def.

65kg (14 entries)
Semifinal - Takuto OTOGURO df. Kaiji OGINO by TF, 10-0, 1:29
Semifinal - Ryoma ANRAKU df. Yujiro UENO, 8-1

70kg (14 entries)
Gold - Yoshinosuke AOYAGI df. Daiju SUZUKI, 8-1

Bronze - Toki OGAWA df. Keitaro ONO, 10-4
Bronze - Taishin YAMAJI df. Ryota UCHIYAMA by Fall, 1:55 (5-0)

Semifinal - Yoshinosuke AOYAGI df. Toki OGAWA, 3-0
Semifinal - Daiju SUZUKI df. Ryota UCHIYAMA, 5-3

79kg (14 entries)
Gold - Yajuro YAMAZAKI df. Kosuke YAMAKURA, 6-0

Bronze - Takahiro MURAYAMA df. Kohei KITAMURA by TF, 10-0, :51
Bronze - Kota ABE df. Kenshin YAMAJI by Def.

Semifinal - Yajuro YAMAZAKI df. Takahiro MURAYAMA, 4-0
Semifinal - Kosuke YAMAKURA df. Kenshin YAMAJI by TF, 12-0, 1:19

86kg (14 entries)
Gold - Hayato ISHIGURO df. Yudai TAKAHASHI, 4-2

Bronze - Taisei MATSUYUKI df. Shota SHIRAI by Def.
Bronze - Fumiya IGARASHI df. Ryuki YOSHIDA by Def.

Greco-Roman

60kg (11 entries)
Semifinal - Kenichiro FUMITA df. Kosei TAKESHITA by TF, 9-0, 1:59
Semifinal - Maito KAWANA df. Yuto GOMI, 7-0

67kg (13 entries)
Gold - Kyotaro SOGABE df. Katsuaki ENDO, 9-3

Bronze - Haruto YABE df. Yuji UEGAKI, 3-1
Bronze - Eito NISHIDA df. Shigeki TSUTSUMI, 5-2

77kg (13 entries)
Gold - Kodai SAKURABA df. Nao KUSAKA by TF, 10-1, 5:43

Bronze - Tatsuya FUJII df. Shohei YABIKU, 3-3
Bronze - Minto MAEDA df. Naoki KADODE by TF, 9-0, 1:56

82kg (12 entries)
Gold - Yuya MAEDA df. Masao TANAKA, 7-5

Bronze - Daizo TANIZAKI df. Muuto SAWADA by TF, 8-0, 4:10
Bronze - Desshin HIGUCHI df. Kiriru SHIMABUKURO, 9-5

Semifinal - Masao TANAKA df. Muuto SAWADA, 9-4
Semifinal - Yuya MAEDA df. Kiriru SHIMABUKURO by TF, 9-0, 3:33

Women

50kg (16 entries)
Gold - Yui SUSAKI df. Remina YOSHIMOTO, 8-0

Bronze - Umi ITO df. Nanami IRIE by TF, 10-0, :48
Bronze - Hanano SAKURAI df. Haruna MORIKAWA by TF, 10-0, 2:21

53kg (9 entries)
Semifinal - Akari FUJINAMI df. Mako ONO by TF, 10-0, :28
Semifinal - Haruna OKUNO df. Mayu SHIDOCHI, 3-1

57kg (10 entries)
Gold - Sae NANJO df. Sara NATAMI by Fall, 4:01 (5-0)

Bronze - Tsugumi SAKURAI df. Ibuki TAMURA by Def.
Bronze - Yumeka TANABE df. Umi IMAI, 6-4

62kg (11 entries)
Semifinal - Nonoka OZAKI df. Nayu UCHIDA by TF, 10-0, 3:57
Semifinal - Sakura MOTOKI df. Yukako KAWAI, 9-2

#WrestleSamokov

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 Preview

Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 08:11 By Vinay Siwach

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SAMOKOV, Bulgaria (August 13) -- A quick stat: Of the 30 gold medalists from last year's World U20 Championships, 13 will compete at the senior World Championships in Zagreb, a testament to the event's importance. This year's competition in Samokov, Bulgaria, from August 17 to 24, will undoubtedly introduce the next generation of wrestling stars.

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The eight-day event will feature 650 wrestlers: 233 in Freestyle, 231 in Greco-Roman, and 186 in Women's Wrestling. A significant number, 186 wrestlers, are returning from last year's competition. In Freestyle, 11 medalists are back, including one champion. Greco-Roman has 10 returning medalists, with three champions, while Women's Wrestling boasts 17 returning medalists and three defending champions.

Marcus BLAZE (USA)Marcus BLAZE (USA) is a returning bronze medalist at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

FREESTYLE

Last year, the United States had an incredible run, with nine of its 10 wrestlers winning a medal. This year, the U.S. is aiming to defend its team title for the first time. The team includes four returning medalists: Marcus BLAZE (61kg), PJ DUKE (70kg), Ladrion LOCKETT (74kg), and Justin RADEMACHER (97kg).

Iran will likely be its main challenger, looking to reclaim the team title they last won in 2023. However, the U.S. team is motivated, particularly after it recently stunned Iran to defend its team title at the U17 Worlds. Other major challengers include Georgia, Azerbaijan, India, and UWW wrestlers, many of whom are continental champions.

One of the returning medalists and a strong favorite for gold is Marcus BLAZE (USA). His only loss last year was to Masanosuke ONO (JPN), and he's now looking to add a world U20 title to his U17 one.

He won't be without competition, however. Ahora KHATERI (IRI), a 2023 world U17 champ, is also looking to add a U20 gold to his resume in his first event. Khateri wrestled at the Zagreb Open this year and finished fifth. The field is further bolstered by European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM), silver medalist Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), Asian U20 champion Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) and Allan ORALBEK (KAZ).

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA)Ladrion LOCKETT (USA) will look to upgrade his silver to gold at 74kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA), a silver medalist last year, is a strong contender for gold. His aggressive style and high pace will be key against opponents who often can't handle his intensity. His biggest challenge will come from European U23 champion Ismail Khaniev (UWW), European U20 champion Manuel Wagin (GER), and returning bronze medalist Aghanazar Novruzov (AZE).

Lockett defeated Novruzov in the semifinals last year, but the latter recently added a senior European bronze to his resume and could cause an upset. The field also includes Asian U20 champion Mahdi Mamivand (IRI) and European U20 silver Raul Caso (ITA), who will be at his fourth U20 Worlds.

PJ DUKE (USA), who earned a spot on the U.S. senior team for Zagreb, is now looking to upgrade his bronze medal to gold this year. Wrestling at 70kg, Duke has been in phenomenal form, memorably pinning Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) to make the senior team. A classic U.S.-Iran battle is expected in this weight class, as he'll face 2022 world U17 champion Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI), who recently won the Asian U20 gold medal. Elahi was also at the Zagreb Open but finished fifth.

While some weight classes feature clear favorites, others are wide open. The competition at 79kg is a prime example. The only returning champion is Alp Arsalan BEGENJOV (TKM), who made history as Turkmenistan's first-ever world U20 champion. However, he's had mixed results since then, including a loss to CHANDERMOHAN (IND) and a pin by AMIT (IND).

This opens the door for a host of contenders. Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI), who lost his first bout to Begenjov last year, has since had a phenomenal run, winning a senior Asia gold, a world U23 title, and a silver at the Zagreb Open.

Leandro ARAUJO (BRA) is also looking to change the color of his medal. Araujo won bronze last year and silver at the Pan-Am U20 Championships. He'll be challenged by the wrestler who beat him in that final, William HENCKEL (USA), a potential gold medalist himself. Also in the mix are European U20 champ Davit TCHETCHELASHVILI (GEO), silver medalist Muradkhan OMAROV (AZE) and returning fifth-placers Said SAIDULOV (UWW) and Amit.

Another Iran wrestler who has improved significantly is Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI). After winning bronze last year, he's gone on to secure gold medals at senior and U20 Asians. While not a clear favorite, a gold medal in Samokov is definitely within his reach. European U20 champion Dachi PAPINASHVILI (GEO) and silver medalist Ahmet YAGAN (TUR), a returning bronze medalist himself, will be among those hoping to deny Rahmani.

European U20 champion Konstantine PETRIASHVILI (GEO), the younger brother of Olympic champion Geno, will be looking to add another world title to his name.
Having finished eighth last year, Petriashvili will be keen on finishing on the podium this year at 97kg. But he'll face a stiff challenge from Erfan ALIZADEH (IRI), the U20 Asian champ. Alizadeh's experience on the senior circuit, where he earned a silver at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, could be key to navigating Petriashvili's attacks. Also in the mix is Justin RADEMACHER (USA), a returning bronze medalist who is determined to claim the gold he missed last year.

Both Ashab DADAEV (FRA) and Magomedgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (UWW) lost to Petriashvili at the European U20s in close bouts. They will look to change the result they end up meeting the Georgian in Samokov.

Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ)Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) is a returning bronze medalist at 92kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 92kg, returning bronze medalists Anar JAFARLI (AZE) and Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) are ready to compete. Kurugliyev, a 2023 world U20 champ at 97kg and a 2022 world U17 champion, has moved down a weight class. While Jafarli lacks Kurugliyev's resume, he is a gold medal threat, having defeated the returning Connor MIRASOLA (USA) for bronze last year.

European U20 and U23 silver medalist Musza ARSUNKAEV (HUN) is also a factor, capable of upsets with a strong record that includes a 2022 world U17 silver medal. He recently finished fifth at the Budapest Ranking Series.

The 125kg class is set to be a battle of redemption and first-time glory. Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE), a former world U17 champion, is determined to claim a U20 title after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year, a goal bolstered by his recent European U20 silver.

His path to gold could be blocked by Inal GAGLOEV (UWW), the European U20 gold medalist who is stepping onto the world stage for the first time. The competition also features Pan-Am U20 champion Cole MIRASOLA (USA) and Asian U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ). For Kassimbek, the stakes are high; he has lost two U17 world finals, including one to Dursunov, and is now hungry for his first major gold.

Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW)Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW) is the favorite to win gold at 65kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

The 65kg weight class has a strong favorite: Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW). He won both the European U20 and U23 Championships with seemingly little trouble.

Yet, there will be challenges at the world level, which include European U20 silver medalist Viktor BOROHAN (UKR) and former Euro U20 champ Abdullah TOPRAK (TUR). Both of them have already suffered a defeat to Dzhandubaev but can step up on the day. The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Luke STANICH (USA), Aliasghar TATHASHTIKEH (IRI), who is making his international debut, and Omurbek ASAN UULU (KGZ), a 2024 world U17 champ who won bronze at the Asian U20s.

Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE)Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) is a two-time former world U17 champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Can former world U17 champion Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) add a U20 title? The European U20 champion’s path to gold won't be easy, as he'll face Nika ZANGALADZE (GEO), the only wrestler to truly test him in Italy. The U.S. is pinning its hopes on Anthony KNOX (USA), who is making his international debut.

Meanwhile, Iran has a strong contender in Arshia HADDADI (IRI), a bronze medalist at both the Asian U20 and 2022 World U17 Championships. Also challenging for gold is Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), who has been training in the U.S. at Oklahoma State University.

 Sakura ONISHI (JPN)Sakura ONISHI (JPN) is a senior Asian champion at 59kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

The statistic about in the first paragraph of this preview primarily highlights the strength of Women's Wrestling as seven champions from last year will be at the senior World Championships later in September.

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) and Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) will represent Japan and the Zhang twins, Yu and Jin, will challenge for China. Christelle RODRIGUEZ (USA), Iryna BONDAR (UKR) and Jyoti BERWAL (IND), all gold medalists from Pontevedra, will also be in Zagreb.

Now back in Samokov, both Uchida and Onishi will be wrestling for their second straight world U20 gold medal at 57kg and 59kg respectively.

Since her 2024 title, Onishi has won gold medals at Asian Championships and Muhamet Malo Ranking Series. She is also a world U17 champ and silver medalist from 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Onishi will have her hands full with Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), who is undefeated this year with European U20, U23 and Zagreb Open golds under her belt. NEHA (IND), a 57kg bronze medalist from last year, moves up to 59kg, bringing with her a recent silver from the Budapest Ranking Series and gold from the Mongolia Open. Marta HETMANAVA (UWW) and Aubre KRAZER (USA) are also strong contenders for a podium finish.

Unlike her teammate Onishi, Uchida is coming into the competition with a spotless international record. She would like to like that record and it seems that little will trouble her in Samokov.

Some formidable wrestlers include Pan-Am U20 champion Agnia KRAKOVSKA (CAN), Asian U20 champion TAPSYA (IND), European U20 champion Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR), and silver medalist Tindra DALMYR (SWE). A later dropout due to injury was Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), a senior European medalist and former world U20 champion. 

Apart from these two, Japan's line-up includes 2022 world U20 champ Ayano MORO (JPN) at 76kg, 2023 world U17 champs Rinka OGAWA (JPN) at 50kg and Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) at 53kg, So TSUTSUI (JPN) was a 57kg silver medalist at the 2024 world U17 championships, 2023 world and Asia champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) at 68kg and 2024 Asian U20 champ at 65kg Momoko KITADE (JPN).

At 76kg, the favorite to win gold is Ayano MORO (JPN), the 2022 world U20 champion. This weight class promises to be one of the most hotly contested, as Moro will renew her rivalry with PRIYA (IND), who she had defeated to win the title in 2022. The Indian wrestler, who won the U20 title in 2023, recently won silver at the Budapest Ranking Series and gold at Asian U23s and is a two-time world U17 champion.

The division is further stacked with returning bronze medalists Naomi SIMON (USA) and Elmira YASIN (TUR), as well as European U20 champion Nadiia SOKOLOVSKA (UKR) and silver medalist Diana TITOVA (UWW).

Audrey JIMENEZ (USA)Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) is a two-time world U20 silver medalist. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ogawa will have her task cut out at 50kg as two-time world U20 silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA), who is hungry to finally claim a gold medal after two losses in the finals. Jimenez's impressive resume also includes a senior Pan-Am title and 2023 World U23 silver medal. Na HU (CHN), a 2024 world U17 champion, will aim to keep the 50kg title with China, following Yu ZHANG's (CHN) victory last year.

For Masuda at 53kg, the challenge may be tougher. Her weight class includes European U20 bronze medalist Sevval CAYIR (TUR), Asian U20 champ SAARIKA (IND), European U20 champ Anastasiia POLSKA (UKR) and European U20 champ at 50kg Kseniya KOSTSENICH (UWW).

In the highly competitive 55kg weight class, several talented wrestlers are vying for the top spot. Leading the charge is returning silver medalist Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL), who brings a wealth of experience from her training in Japan.

She will face stiff competition from returning bronze medalist and European U23 champion Tuba DEMIR (TUR), Asian U20 and U23 champion REENA (IND), who also secured World U23 and U20 bronze medals in 2023, European U20 champion Gerda TEREK (HUN) and the 2024 Pan-Am U20 champion Everest LEYDECKER (USA). 

With such a deep pool of talented wrestlers, So TSUTSUI (JPN) will face a challenging path to the gold medal, especially against rivals like Byambasuren.

Hoshino, the 2023 world U20 champion, is one of the favorites at 68kg. She is in a deep field with Ayse ERKAN (TUR), a returning silver medalist and European U20 bronze winner and Oleksandra RYBAK (UKR), a strong contender with European U23 bronze and 2024 World U17 silver medals.

The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Eduarda BATISTA (BRA), returning bronze medalist SRISHTI (IND), and Asian U20 champion Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ). A new face, 2025 world U17 champion Wenjin QIU (CHN), aims for her second world title in three weeks.

At 65kg, Beyza AKKUS (TUR), who is returning silver medalist and European U20 champion, is a favorite for the gold. But she’ll have to get past Momoko KITADE (JPN), a 2024 Asian U20 champion. Both Margarita SALNAZARIAN (UWW) and Zaixue RUI (CHN), who were bronze medalists last year, are also strong contenders.

At 72kg, all eyes will be on Jasmine ROBINSON (USA), the defending champion who dominated last year's event. She's a strong favorite to win gold again. However, Yuqi LIU (CHN), the silver medalist, is focused on revenge.

KAJAL (IND), the Asian U20 champion, brings impressive credentials, including silver medals at the World and Asian U17 events this year. Another name to watch is Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (UWW), a European U23 champion who finished fifth last year.

At 62kg, European U20 champion Ruzanna MAMMADOVA (AZE) will look to win a medal after finishing fifth last year at 59kg. But she will have to go past Asian U20 champ ANJLI (IND), who also won silver at World U23 Championships last year and Pan-Am U20 champ Annika FINES (CAN).

Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI)Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI) is a returning silver medalist at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

GRECO-ROMAN

Iran has won five straight team titles in Greco-Roman at the World U20 Championships. But winning the sixth will be challenging. While Iran’s line-up in 2024 was incredible, this year's does not guarantee the same.

The team, however, is still a strong contender, but countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Ukraine have their top wrestlers, and a few top UWW wrestlers are also in.

Leading the charge for Iran is Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI), a returning silver medalist at 130kg. After winning his second Asian U20 gold this year, he's the top contender for gold. Last year, he was stunned in the final by Laszlo DARABOS (HUN), who isn't competing this year. Instead, Koppany LASZLO (HUN) -- a bronze medalist from Budapest Ranking Series -- will take his place.

Other notable names include last year's world and European U17 champion Ivan YANKOVSKYI (UKR), who is making his U20 debut against wrestlers like European U20 silver medalist Ali ILIASOV (UWW) and former world U17 champion Saba PURTSELADZE (GEO). Two-time former world U17 champion Cemal BAKIR (TUR) is also in the mix, looking for his first major U20 success after placing seventh at last year's U20 Worlds and eighth at this year's European U20 Championships.

Payam AHMADI (IRI)Payam AHMADI (IRI) is one of the favorites to win gold medal at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran's gold medal hopes extend to Asian U20 champion Payam AHMADI (IRI), a 2023 world champion at 48kg, and now the front-runner at 55kg.

His biggest challenger is two-time former world U17 champion Turan DASHDAMIROV (AZE), who suffered his first-ever continental loss, taking silver at the European U20 Championships recently. The wrestler who handed him that defeat was Ivan SOLOMIN (UWW), who will be a formidable opponent in Samokov.

Also in the mix is Koba KARUMIDZE (GEO), a European U20 bronze and U23 silver medalist. Having lost to Dashdamirov three times already, he's eager for revenge and a shot at the gold. A dark horse to watch is Anil MOR (IND), who has shown significant improvement this year, winning gold at the Mongolian Open and bronze in Budapest. He had finished 10th last year in Pontevedra.

Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW)Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), world U20 champ at 72kg, will be wrestling at 77kg in Samokov. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

In a different weight class this year, Ahoura BOUVEIRI PIANI (IRI) returns for Iran. After finishing 16th at 72kg last year, he moved up to 77kg. This will be his third World U20s, and he's aiming for his first medal. It'll be a tough challenge, however, as the weight class includes returning world 72kg champion, Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), who was also a world U17 champion in 2023.

Another former world U17 champion, Anri PUTKARADZE (GEO), won the European U20 gold, and is a strong contender for the world title. He's known for his formidable par terre defense and a successful gut-wrench.

The list of contenders also includes European U20 silver medalist Davud MAMMADOV (AZE), who lost to Putkaradze in the 2024 world U17 final but has senior-level experience. Asian U23 champion Akzhan YKYLASSOV (KAZ) is also a notable entry in this stacked weight class.

Georgia brings more podium threats, including European U20 champions Aleksandre RUSITASHVILI (GEO) at 72kg and Luka KOCHALIDZE (GEO) at 87kg. Rusitashvili will face a familiar field at 72kg, led by his European rival, Gaspar TERTERYAN (ARM), a returning ninth from 67kg and 2024 Euro U20s silver medalist.

This weight class is a major focus for Greece, whose best medal hope is former world U17 champion Arionas KOLITSOPOULOS (GRE). He'll be challenged by Ahmadreza MOHAMADIAN (IRI), who is making his U20 debut and seeking revenge after losing to Kolitsopoulos in the 2023 world U17 final.

Other contenders for gold include returning 67kg silver medalist Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ), former world U17 champion Joel ADAMS (USA), and Asian U20 champion Ahmad KODIROV (UZB).

For Kochalidze, repeating his results at 87kg from Euros may be tough, as the weight class features recently crowned world U17 champion, Amirsam MOHAMMADI (IRI).

The competition is further intensified by strong gold medal contenders, including Asian U20 champion and returning bronze medalist Temirlan TURDAKYN (KAZ) and European U20 silver medalist Abdurakhman ABDULKADYROV (UWW).

The 67kg weight class is shaping up to be one of the toughest in Samokov. Erzu ZAKRIEV (UWW), the returning world 63kg champion, is the favorite to claim his second title. Last year, Zakriev was dominant, his only real test coming from Anri KHOZREVANIDZE (GEO) in the semifinals.

Khozrevanidze, who is also moving up to 67kg, won bronze at the European U20s and was the U23 champion. He will be looking to avenge his loss to Zakriev and win gold. Also in the mix is returning silver medalist Otto BLACK (USA). After competing at the senior level in Budapest and Zagreb without medaling, he'll face a new set of challenges with Zakriev and Khozrevanidze now in his weight class.

Zhantoro MIRZALIEV (KGZ), the Asian U20 champion and 2023 world U20 silver medalist, is back with gold on his mind. Vladyslav POKOTYLO (UKR), European U20 silver medalist, and Fayozbek ESHMIRZAEV (UZB), Asian U20 silver medalist, are also strong favorites to reach the podium.

The 60kg weight class is stacked and leading the pack is European U20 champion Aykhan JAVADOV (AZE). He aims to add a world U20 gold to the U17 title he won last year. He will face a familiar rival in senior European bronze medalist Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO), whom Javadov defeated in last year's European U20 final.

Returning bronze medalist Papik DZHAVADIAN (UWW), a Euro U23 bronze medalist, is also a serious contender for gold. Other top names include Isaiah CORTEZ (USA), a 55kg silver last year who has moved up in weight, and Adam SILVERIN (SWE), a European U20 silver medalist hoping to improve on last year's 12th-place finish to earn Sweden its first world U20 medal since 2021.

Former world U17 champion SURAJ (IND) will make his U20 debut and his recent success makes him one of India's strongest medal hopes.

At 97kg, finalists from last year, Darius KIEFER (GER) and Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR), are set to resume their rivalry. Yakushenko is the defending champion, having defeated Kiefer 6-4 in the final last year in addition to beating the German wrestler in the European final as well.

However, Kiefer has already avenged his loss at the European level, defeating Yakushenko to win gold at this year. He is now focused on reversing his world U20 loss.

The field also includes strong contenders like Gor AYVAZYAN (GEO), who won a world U20 silver and European title in 2023 and a world U17 gold in 2022. He finished 12th at the U20 Euros but is a proven threat. Iran's Hadi SEYDI AVENDI (IRI), the Asian U20 champion, also has the talent to go all the way.

The 63kg weight class could be Uzbekistan's chance for gold. Following its recent success at U17 level, Uzbekistan will hope to continue the trend at the U20 Worlds. Senior Asian champion Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) is aiming to win Uzbekistan's first U20 Greco-Roman world title since 2011.

Standing in his way are several top contenders: European U20 champion Igor PUNCHENKO (UWW), silver medalist Tural AHMADOV (AZE), and Asian U20 champion Emirlan DUISHENALIEV (KGZ).

The 82kg weight class can witness former world U17 champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) win gold. He returns as a bronze medalist from last year, is the 2024 senior Asian champion. The field also has Anri DAVITADZE (GEO), whom Yoshida defeated for the bronze in Pontevedra last year.

The top challengers are Asian U20 champion Dias SEITKALIYEV (KAZ) and European U20 champion Mikhail SHKARIN (UWW), who is also a 2024 world U17 champion. Yoshida has a history with Shkarin, having defeated him in a thrilling 8-6 final at the 2023 World U17 Championships.