#Bishkek2018

Kaur Gives India Historic 1st Asian Title

Friday, March 2, 2018 - 18:56 By Ken Marantz

While back home, India is currently celebrating the Festival of Colors, Navjot KAUR (IND) ended nearly two decades of futility for the women's wrestling team by securing the medal of the most important color.

Kaur became the first Indian woman in history to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships when she captured the 65kg crown with a 9-1 victory in the final over Miyu IMAI (JPN) at the Kozhomkul Sports Palace.

"This is the best day of my life since I started wrestling," said a jubilant Kaur, who was carried for a victory lap around the mat by two coaches while hoisting the Indian flag.

In other finals, the Chinese added two more golds to the four they won the previous day with victories by Budapest 2016 world champion PEI Xingru (57kg) and Paris 2017 world bronze medalist HAN Yue (72kg).

But Paris 2017 world champion Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) prevented the Chinese from going 7-for-7 in finals when she overcame a 4-1 deficit to storm past LUO Xiaojuan (CHN) 12-4 for the 62kg crown.

PAK Yongmi (PRK) raises her hands in excitement after winning the 53kg gold medal. Photo by Max Rose-Fyne.

North Korea came away with its first gold medal of the tournament when PAK Yongmi put on a takedown clinic in the 53kg final and handily defeated Sumiya ERDENECHIMEG (MGL) 11-5.

China, despite not having entries in two weight classes because of injury withdrawals, easily captured the team title with 185 points. Mongolia, which had medalists in eight of the 10 divisions, finished second with 167, six points ahead of third-place Japan, which had sent a young, generally inexperienced squad and won just one gold.Navjot KAUR (IND) wins India's first ever Asian championship. Photo by Max Rose-Fyne.

Since Indian women starting participating in the Asian Championships in 2001, 13 wrestlers had previously made the finals without a single one coming away with a victory. Kaur herself was among that group, having finished runner-up at the 2013 tournament in New Delhi.

"This pressure was something that every athlete was having at the Asian Championships," Kaur said. "But this time, I decided, No, I will compete without pressure. I have just one chance to prove myself, so I was prepared. I won't feel any pressure, let me go and play my natural game.

"Now I have won and I'm proud to become the first woman from India to win a gold at the Asian Championships."

She achieved that feat by twice scoring 4-point throws on counters to single-leg takedown attempts by Imai, who had earlier beaten the Indian 4x-4 on criteria during the round-robin group stage used because the weight class had only six entries.

Imai, a third-place finisher at the Japan championships in December with scarce international experience, was hurt by a questionable challenge initiated by her coach. After Kaur threw Imai onto her side in the first period for 2 points, the Japanese side challenged the decision--only to see it changed to a 4-point move. The additional point for the unsuccessful challenge put Imai into a 5-0 hole.

In the second period, Imai stepped up the pressure and gained a point on a step-out. But the next time she had a grasp of Kaur's leg, she was suddenly sent whirling onto her back for another 4-pointer that clinched the match.

India's coaches Navjot KAUR (IND) celebrates India's first ever Asian championship. Photo by Max Rose-Fyne.

The 27-year-old Kaur acknowledged she was nervous, but also confident.

"I have been preparing for this and waiting for this for very long," she said. "At the national camp, I was supported and motivated by the whole team, including the coaches and the medical staff.

"I was a bit nervous, being on this platform and you have a lot of load on your shoulders. But I was confident. I was being boosted, 'No, you can do it, you can beat Japan, it's not something that you can't achieve.'"

Kaur considers it fortuitous that her victory coincides with the important Hindi Festival of Colors, called Holi. "I believe I got a blessing from the whole of India, and I dedicate the medal to the whole country. That is how I will celebrate, a gift of Holi to the country."

Photo of PEI Xingru (CHN) by Max Rose-Fyne

China's Pei had her hands surprisingly full with unheralded high schooler Sara NATAMI (JPN), who was making her international senior debut. Pei broke a 1-1 tie, with both points scored on the activity clock, with a snapdown-and-drag takedown in the final minute for a 3-1 victory.

"I wasn't in 100 percent condition, so I was a little nervous," Pei said. "I should have wrestled much better."

For the 17-year-old Natami, the future is bright, but only time will tell if she can break into the Japanese elite.

"I didn't get in on even one tackle, so that was disappointing," Natami said. "This result will give me confidence. But now it's over, and I have to work hard for the next one."

Yue HAN (CHN) gets her hand raise after picking up the 11-0 technical superiority victory over Nasanburmaa OCHIRBAT (MGL). Photo by Max Rose-Fyne.

In the 72kg final, Han had no trouble handling Nasanburmaa OCHIRBAT (MGL), building up a 7-0 lead after the first period before ending the match with a takedown and roll combination for an 11-0 win with 1:34 remaining.

The highlight of the bronze-medal matches came at 65kg, in which LEE Hanbit (KOR) overcame a 6-0 deficit with less than a minute to go to win 6x-6 on criteria. It was one of two bronzes captured by South Korea on the night.

Japan added three bronze medals to its tally from Yu MIYAHARA (53kg), Yurika ITO (62kg) and Masako FURUICHI (72kg). Miyahara and Ito both won by fall after leading 6-0, while Furuichi posted a 10-0 technical fall.

The remaining bronze medals went to Kazakhstan, Mongolia and India. As with the 65kg class, 72kg only had six entries, so there was only one bronze-medal match in each of those divisions.

The fifth day of competition on Saturday marks the start of men's freestyle with action in five weight classes.

Women's Wrestling
53kg (10 entries)
Gold - PAK Yongmi (PRK) df. Sumiya ERDENECHIMEG (MGL), 11-5

Bronze – Yu Miyahara (JPN) df. Thi Hang VU (VIE) by Fall, 3:34 (6-0)
Bronze – Zhuldyz Eshimova (KAZ) df. CHIU Hsin Ju (TPE), 5-0

57kg (10 entries)
Gold - PEI Xingru (CHN) df. Sara NATAMI (JPN), 3-1

Bronze – KIM Yeseul (KOR) df. Thi Huong DAO (VIE), 4-3
Bronze – Baltsetseg ALTANTSETSEG (MGL) df. JONG In Sun (PRK), 7-4

62kg (10 entries)
Gold - Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) df. LUO Xiaojuan (CHN), 12-4

Bronze – Yurika ITO (JPN) df. Khalbazar NARBAEVA (UZB) by Fall, 4:02 (6-0)
Bronze – Sakshi MALIK (IND) df. Ayaulym KASSYMOVA (KAZ), 10-7

65kg (6 entries)
Gold - Navjot KAUR (IND) df. Miya IMAI (JPN), 9-1

Bronze – LEE Hanbit (KOR) df. Tsevegmed ENKHBAYAR (MGL), 6x-6

72kg (6 entries)
Gold - HAN Yue (CHN) df. Nasanburmaa OCHIRBAT (MGL) by TF, 11-0, 1:34

Bronze – Masako FURUICHI (JPN) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) by TF, 10-0, 0:35

#WrestleBaku

Murtazaliev defends U23 European gold; Azerbaijan wins Greco team title

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 19:29 By United World Wrestling Press

BAKU, Azerbaijan (May 22) -- Magomed MURTAZALIEV (AIN) fell on his knees. Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN) looked around in a daze, his hands on the back of his head. Both breathing heavily, both barely able to walk any extra step than needed.

This was a fight for the gold medal between the two giants of the Greco-Roman 97kg category. Murtazaliev, a senior European Championship silver medallist and defending champion of the U23 continental tournament but missing out on a Paris Olympics spot. Khaslakhanau, a senior European bronze medallist, looking for his maiden U23 title, which would have been a perfect boost for his Olympic preparations.

After grueling six minutes, which tested the strength and stamina of both wrestlers to the limit, it was Murtazaliev who finished on top. The 23-year-old defeated Khaslakhanau 4-1 to defend his title here in Baku.

Magomed MURTAZALIEV (AIN) defends a throw from Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN) in the 97kg Greco-Roman final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Murtazaliev made all the early moves, using an underhook in search for a proper grip over Khaslakhanau. Shortly after one minute, the Paris Olympics-bound wrestler was penalized for passivity. Murtazaliev got a point for that and then used a strong gut-wrench for two points despite some exceptional defense from his opponent.

Khaslakhanau had his moments including the par terre in the second period. He completed a throw but Murtazaliev did not land in danger, forcing Khaslakhanau to challenge but to no avail. Murtazaliev used all his might to defend his 4-1 lead and ensure he ended the evening with a gold medal hanging around his neck.

Murtazaliev and Khaslakhanau embraced each other after the end of the bout when they left the mat. But it was the home wrestlers that celebrated the most as Azerbaijan won the team title with 163 points. Georgia finished second with 138 points and Turkiye was third with 135 points.

Gurban GURBANOV (AZE) celebrates after winning the 82kg gold medal in Baku. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

The major contribution to Azerbaijan’s team title came from Gurban GURBANOV (AZE), who beat Islam ALIEV (AIN) 8-2 in an action-packed bout to win his second successive title.

But the scoreline hardly captures the drama that unfolded.

Only 30 seconds into the bout, Gurbanov requested a challenge, accusing Aliev of blocking using his hands on legs. The challenge was upheld and Aliev was cautioned, with the defending champion awarded two points.

That, however, was only the beginning. A minute later, Gurbanov had the par terre advantage, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Those in the stands had more to cheer for after Gurbanov used a high gut to turn Aliev and extend his lead to 5-1.

Desperate to reduce his deficit, Aliev threw the kitchen sink at his rival. He got the par terre but failed to score and even asked for a challenge for blocking by Gurbanov only to see him lose one more point for a lost challenge. Just then, however, things started to get heated. A minute into the second round, Gurbanov alleged that Aliev pushed him out of the mat – and over the podium. The momentum carried the home favorite behind the judge’s table and as he walked back onto the mat, he held his left leg and looked in some discomfort.

After a stepout, Aliev head-butted Gurbanov with 1:33 left on the clock. He was awarded two points for dangerous play as Aliev received another caution.

The penalty points combined gave Gurbanov enough cushion to defend his lead in the closing moments and although Aliev did not give up, it was too big a gap to close down. Amidst a din, Gurbanov draped his country’s flag around his shoulders and took a lap of honor.

Mert ILBARS (TUR), behind, scored the match-winning stepout against Nihad GULUZADE (AZE) from this position. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Azerbaijan very nearly celebrated a second gold medal of the night. However, Nihad GULUZADE (AZE) came up agonizingly short against Mert ILBARS (TUR) in the 60kg final, losing 2-1.

Both wrestlers produced strong defensive performances, but the bout was anything but defensive. Guluzade, in particular, would leave the tournament with a feeling of ‘what if’. After the two wrestlers exchanged points for par terre with Ilbars leading 1-1 on criteria, Guluzade got the third par terre position late in the bout. The third call only offers position advantage and no points but Ilbars didn’t allow his opponent a proper grip and instead forced a remarkable turnaround to get into an attacking position and score a point from a push out.

For the rest of the bout, Ilbars defended as if his life depended on it and came out on top by the narrowest of margins.

Giorgi CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) celebrates after winning the 72kg gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Meanwhile, Giorgi CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) beat Vilius SAVICKAS (LTU) 8-0 to win the gold medal in the 72kg category and add a second U23 European title. That win propelled Georgia over Turkiye in the team title race.

Turkiye could have finished second had Azat SARIYAR (TUR) won the 67kg 67kg final. Instead, Daniial AGAEV (AIN) rolled to an 11-1 technical superiority win to capture the gold at 67kg.

Defending champion Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) reached the 55kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Malmgren on course to defend her title

Women’s wrestling star Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) stayed on course to winning her second consecutive U23 title after she reached the 55 kg category final.

Malmgren, one of the contenders for the Paris Olympics, was the odds-on favorite to defend her crown in Baku and it didn’t take long to understand why. The two-time senior European champion, who added a silver this year, was dominant in all her bouts, scoring 22 points and conceding just two.

The 22-year-old Swede will face Mariia VYNNYK (UKR), who has already improved on her performance from last year’s continental championship but will be hoping for a top-of-the-podium finish, which would also be her best-ever performance.

Vynnyk will be one of the three Ukrainian wrestlers who will have a shot at the gold medal on Thursday. In 68kg, Manola SKOBELSKA (UKR) will take on Elizaveta PETLIAKOVA (AIN) in the title round whereas Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR) will face Laura KUEHN (GER) in the 76kg final.

RESULTS

60kg
GOLD: Mert ILBARS (TUR) df. Nihad GULUZADE (AZE), 2-1

BRONZE: Dinislam BAMMATOV (AIN) df. Olivier SKRZYPCZAK (POL), 6-3
BRONZE: Melkamu FETENE (ISR) df. Georgios SCARPELLO (GER), 4-3

67kg
GOLD: Daniial AGAEV (AIN) df. Azat SARIYAR (TUR), 11-1

BRONZE: Oleg KHALILOV (UKR) df. Yanis GUENDEZ NIFRI (FRA), 2-2
BRONZE: Diego CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) df. Dimitar GEORGIEV (BUL), 9-1

72kg
GOLD: Giorgi CHKHIKVADZE (GEO) df. Vilius SAVICKAS (LTU), 8-0

BRONZE: Ruslan NURULLAYEV (AZE) df. Petar GORNYASHKI (BUL), 7-4
BRONZE: Vasile ZABICA (MDA) df. Giovanni ALESSIO (ITA), 5-4

82kg
GOLD: Gurban GURBANOV (AZE) df. Islam ALIEV (AIN), 8-2

BRONZE: Deni NAKAEV (GER) df. Alexandru SOLOVEI (MDA), 4-1
BRONZE: Vladimeri KARCHAIDZE (FRA) df. Leon RIVALTA (ITA), via fall (11-4)

97kg
GOLD: Magomed MURTAZALIEV (AIN) df. Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN), 4-1

BRONZE: Murad AHMADIYEV (AZE) df. Aapo VIITALA (FIN), 11-0
BRONZE: Anton VIEWEG (GER) df. Luka KATIC (SRB), 3-1

Women's Wrestling Semifinals

50kg
GOLD: Natallia VARAKINA (AIN) vs. Zehra DEMIRHAN (TUR)

SF 1: Natallia VARAKINA (AIN) df. Ana PIRVU (ROU), 10-0
SF 2: Zehra DEMIRHAN (TUR) df. Gabija DILYTE (LTU), 6-4

55kg
GOLD: Mariia VYNNYK (UKR) vs. Jonna MALMGREN (SWE)

SF 1: Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) df. Mihaela SAMOIL (MDA), via fall (8-0)
SF 2: Mariia VYNNYK (UKR) df. Aliaksandra BULAVA (AIN), 11-0

59kg
GOLD: Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (AIN) vs. Alesia HETMANAVA (AIN)

SF 1: Alesia HETMANAVA (AIN) df. Ana Maria PUIU (ROU), 11-0
SF 2: Anastasiia SIDELNIKOVA (AIN) df. Sevim AKBAS (TUR), 5-1

68kg
GOLD: Manola SKOBELSKA (UKR) vs. Elizaveta PETLIAKOVA (AIN)

SF 1: Elizaveta PETLIAKOVA (AIN) df. Sophia SCHAEFLE (GER), via fall (6-0)
SF 2: Manola SKOBELSKA (UKR) df. Karolina POK (HUN), 2-0

76kg
GOLD: Laura KUEHN (GER) vs. Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR)

SF 1: Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR) df. Nazar BATIR (TUR), 3-2
SF 2: Laura KUEHN (GER) df. Olga KOZYREVA (AIN), 9-8

Kaur Gives India Historic 1st Asian Title

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Murtazaliev defends U23 European gold; Azerbaijan wins Greco team title