Makhmudov, coach put on clinics in rural Japan

Monday, December 4, 2023 - 18:12 By Ken Marantz

TOKYO, Japan (December 4) --- After adding a second straight world title this year to his Olympic silver medal, Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) would surely be recognized on any street in Bishkek. Last month, he won over a new group fans in a rural prefecture of Japan, and may have even helped one to someday challenge him.

Makhmudov spent three days last month in Japan putting on wrestling clinics at the invitation of the Ehime Prefecture Wrestling Association along with his personal coach Meirambek AKHMETOV (KGZ), according to a story recently posted on the Japan Wrestling Federation website submitted by Masashi OCHI, secretary general of the association.

Makhmudov, who became Kyrgyzstan's first-ever male world champion when he won his first gold medal at Greco 77kg in 2022, also met with the Ehime Prefecture governor, did a little sightseeing, and got in some workouts as he prepares to start training in earnest for the Paris Olympics.

KGZ Akzhol MAKHMUDOV, holding his world championship belt, and coach Meirambek AKHMETOV, 2n from left, meet with Ehime Prefecture Gov. Tokihiro NAKAMURA, 2n from right, and other officials. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation)

Makhudov impressed everyone involved with his sincerity, dedication and professionalism, Ochi wrote, and was just the type of role model the association wanted to present. Asked about the secret of his success in a question-and-answer session by a young wrestler, Makhmudov gave a heartfelt answer that shows he has never been one to cut corners.

"You know yourself what will be difficult for you, but if you keep at it and don't give up, you will definitely succeed," Makhmudov. "Please don't select the easy road. Your hard work will definitely pay off, so keep going. Anything you do -- wrestling, work, study -- do because you love, cherish your family, and listen to your coach. If you do these, everything will go well."

Ehime Prefecture, with a population of 1.3 million, is spread over 5,600 square kilometers on the northwestern coast of the southern island of Shikoku, across the Seto Inland Sea from Hiroshima. It is famous for its Japanese tangerines, known as "mikan," and its picturesque mountains and coastline. It has also produced some notable wrestlers of late.

The prefecture has established a program to promote youth sports, and the wrestling federation had the idea to invite a top foreign wrestler as a guest instructor. They consulted UWW-licensed referee Kuninori KOIKE, who contacted his acquaintance Akhmetov, who himself is now an international referee who officiated at the Tokyo Games two years ago.

That set the wheels in motion, and Makhmudov and Akhmetov left Bishkek on Nov. 8 for the long journey to Japan via Almaty and Busan. They landed at Kansai International Airport in Osaka and spent the night in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, before taking a flight the next day from Osaka's Itami Airport to Matsuyama. about 270 kilometers to the west.

On the morning of Nov. 10, Makhmudov and Akhmetov paid a courtesy call on Gov. Tokihiro NAKAMURA in the prefectural capital of Matsuyama. That afternoon, the first clinic was held in the neighboring city of Imabari at Imabari Technical High School, with about 40 junior high and high schoolers from throughout Ehime Prefecture in attendance.

KGZ2 Makhmudov and Japan's Greco 67kg champion Kyotaro SOGABE hit it off during the clinics and used the opportunity to spend some time practicing together. (Japan Wrestling Federation)

Helping out as special instructors were several distinguished alumni of Imabari high schools, including Kyotaro SOGABE, a 2022 world U23 bronze medalist at Greco 67kg, and Rin MIYAJI, the 2021 world silver medalist at women's 68kg. There was time set aside for instruction, drills and open sparring, with Koike serving as an interpreter.

On Saturday Nov. 11, Sogabe's coach at powerhouse Nippon Sports Science University, Shingo MATSUMOTO, joined the clinic. Matsumoto, the head coach of all three styles at the university, won nine straight national titles from 1999 to 2007 and appeared in two Olympics at Greco 84kg, finishing seventh at the 2004 Athens Games.

In the morning, Akhmetov taught techniques from the standing position in Greco. His experience working with Kyrgyzstan's youth team came through, Ochi noted, as he explained everything calmly and in great detail. Akhmetov said that Greco techniques need to be learned from a young age, and expressed surprise that most Japanese wrestlers do not become fully committed to Greco until they are in college. "Japanese wrestlers are physically fit, but lack technique," Akhmetov commented.

That afternoon, they became ambassadors of sorts for the sport at an event aimed at giving youngsters who had had little or no exposure to wrestling a chance to experience it. Held at the Ehime Prefectural Budokan in Matsuyama, Makhmudov led the prospective athletes in warm-ups, mat games and mini-matches. "Your stances when you tie up and your understanding the rules are fantastic," Makhudov commented.

KGZ1 Participants in a clinic gather for a group photo with Makhmudov and Akhmetov. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation)

At the end, the children were allowed to ask Makhmudov some questions. Asked what he pays most attention to in regard to being a professional athlete, he replied, "I only eat things that are good for my body."

The third and final "Makhmudov Camp" on Nov. 12 was held at Hojo High School in Matsuyama, where Akhmetov focused on throws from standing and both offense and defense in par terre. He could be heard yelling out "Combination!" a number of times. The clinic was not limited to Greco, and the few girls in the group fervently went through the drills.

Meanwhile, Makhmudov and Sogabe had really hit things off with each other, and worked together on techniques and did some sparring. The 45-year-old Matsumoto even got in on the act and went toe-to-toe with Makhmudov, drawing the eyes of everyone in the room. Ten years before Makhmudov won his first of his three Asian titles at the age of 18 before a delirious crowd in Bishkek in 2018, Matsumoto added a gold at the Asian Championships to his two silver medals in one of his final competitions.

During the three days, Makmudov impressed his hosts with a regimen of exercise, proper nutrition and sufficient rest. He said he has promised to refrain from drinking until after the Olympics. "He is the consummate pro," said one official.

KGZ Makhmudov strikes a warrior pose in a samurai helmet and armor at Matsuyama Castle. (Photo: Japan Wrestling Federation)

Makhmudov also found time to visit one of Ehime's main tourist attractions, Matsuyama Castle, which was built in 1603 and has been designated a National Historic Site. There he donned a samurai helmet and armor for a commemorative photo while "assuming a warrior pose," as Ochi describes it. At a souvenir shop nearby, he was treated to Ehime mikan juice which comes directly out of a faucet.

On the last day of the clinics, Makhmudov bid farewell to the participants by saying, "Let's meet again at the Asian Championships or Olympics. Thank you." Even with Japan's Nao KUSAKA also having qualified at Greco 77kg, Makhmudov will certainly have some supporters in a small pocket of southern Japan.

#wrestlebishkek

Sharshenbekov cruises to 3rd straight Asian gold; Japanese pair stuns Iranians

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - 17:35 By Ken Marantz

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 16) -- Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) also had to contend with a Japanese opponent in the final but never came close to suffering the same fate as his famous compatriot. A pair of Iranians were not so fortunate.

Sharshenbekov achieved a three-peat of Asian Championships titles with an 11-0 victory over Kaito INABA (JPN) in the Greco 60kg final on Tuesday in Bishkek, as the host nation ended a well-attended and organized tournament with four golds overall.

"First of all, I dedicate this victory to all the fans, coaches, and family," Sharshenbekov said. "This is not just my victory, it belongs to everyone. I really wanted to give the joy of victory to my country wrestling at home."

Shingo HARADA (JPN) at 72kg and teenager Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) at 82kg won over the hearts of the crowd with stunning victories over Iranian opponents, which they capped by donning traditional Kyrgyz caps as part of their victory celebrations.

Iran, which put four wrestlers into the final, won the other golds at stake, with former world champion and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) completely dominating at 97kg, and young Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) winning his first Asian title at 67kg.

Iran won four golds overall and easily won the team title for the third straight year with 200 points. Kyrgyzstan, with one champion, finished second with 144, just two points ahead of third-place Japan and its three gold medalists.

Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) celebrates after winning the 60kg gold medal in Bishkek. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Sharshebekov thrilled a home crowd still buzzing from the loss the previous night in the 77kg final by national hero Akzhol MAKHMODOV (KGZ) as both wrestlers begin their final preparations for a run at elusive gold medals at the Paris Olympics.

The defending champion was taken into the second period for the first time in four matches on the day, but the outcome was still the same as he fended off a determined but overmatched Inaba.

Sharshenbekov got the scoring started by limp-arming out of a whizzer for a takedown, to which a fleeing point was tacked on. That became significant, as it put Sharshenbekov on top of par terre, from which he scored a 2-point throw. He added a driving takedown to take a 7-0 lead into the second period.

Inaba, desperate for points as the clock winded down, secured a front headlock from standing, but Sharshenbekov showed what separates the best from the rest when he quickly squirmed out and secured a bear hug himself, then slammed Inaba down for 4 to end the match with 32 seconds left.

It was a testament to Sharshenbekov's high-tempo style that he was not assessed a passivity point in the second period, as would typically be the case for a wrestler nursing a lead.

"He built up a lead, but I thought in terms of response that it was still within a range in which I could catch up," Inaba said. "In the end, I lost by technical [superiority]. There are still many areas where I am lacking and need to improve on."

Inaba, who was seventh at the 2023 world U23, earned the trip to Bishkek by winning his first national title last December in the absence of Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN), one of his training partners in the group of current and past Nippon Sports Science University wrestlers.

Fumita, the losing finalist to Sharshenbekov at last year's World Championships, opted to skip the Asian Championships as he preps for a potential rematch in Paris.

Sharshenbekov also earned his fifth Asian medal overall, having lost in the 2018 final to Shota TANOKURA (JPN) and again in 2020 to Fumita. Shashenbekov also has world silver medals from 2019 and 2021.

"It’s been my fourth time wrestling with a Japanese wrestler, they’re very strong," Sharshenbekov said. "There are no weak wrestlers there, everyone is world-level strong."

Asked about competing in the wake of Makhmudov's shocking loss in the 77kg final the day before to Nao KUSAKA (JPN), Sharshenbekov said it is just part of the sport.

"I think maybe Akzhol was sick or something, only God knows the reason," he said. "This is a big sport, it is impossible to never lose. Sometimes you win, another day you lose. I believe fans shall support him at these kinds of moments. Sometimes athletes can lose. With God’s help, I think he will show his best at the Olympics."

Shingo HARADA (JPN) donned a traditional Kyrgyz hat during his celebration after winning the 72kg gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

At 72kg, the unheralded Harada rallied from a five-point deficit to defeat 2019 world U20 bronze medalist Mohammadreza ROSTAMI (IRI) 9-5 for an unlikely gold.

Rostami, getting the first chance at par terre, used a front headlock for a pair of rolls to go up 5- 0, although Harada delivered a psychological hit when he rolled Rostami with a whizzer for 2 with two seconds left in the first period.

Harada then went ahead on criteria 5-5 when, on top in par terre, he missed a reverse body lift, but was successful with a second attempt. A second exposure was waved off on challenge because his hands went to the legs.

But Rostami had little in the tank and it was Harada who picked up points, padding his lead with a takedown and a tilt.

"I didn't expect it, but it seemed that he was running out of steam," Harada said. "I thought I had probably put in more time training."

Harada was not a totally unknown quantity, having opened eyes by making the semifinals at last year's World Championships in Belgrade and eventually finishing a commendable fifth. He said he takes something away with each overseas outing.

"I always train with Japanese, so there are actions and dynamic movements that I can't anticipate from people from overseas," Harada said. "You don't see them very much in Japan, so it is a learning experience."

After his victory, Harada was handed a Japanese flag as well as an "ak-kalpak," the elongated wool Kyrgyz hat, which he put on for his victory lap to the delight of the crowd.

"I also fought against a Kyrgyz wrestler [in the quarterfinals], but I was happy because in the end they still supported me," Harada said.

Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) scores upon Rasoul GARMSIRI (IRI) in the 82kg final during the Asian Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

The 17-year-old Yoshida's remarkable accomplishment at 82kg came as he was making his international senior debut as the first male high schooler to represent Japan at the Asian Championships since 1989, and the first-ever in Greco.

The reigning world U17 champion, Yoshida looked like a seasoned pro by combining power, technique and composure in toppling Rasoul GARMSIRI (IRI) 9-0 in the final, blissfully unaware his opponent was the 2022 champion.

"Last year I won the U17, so I had the experience of being in a final and the atmosphere of the venue," Yoshida said. "I wasn't very nervous and I was able to stay relaxed."

Yoshida got a bit of a break in the first period when he was reversed while in par terre, but Garmsiri was instead tagged with a 2-point leg-blocking penalty. Leading 3-0 in the second period, it was Yoshida who was the aggressor, and he scored 4 with a reverse body lock throw. He then stopped a front headlock roll attempt for 2 to end the match at 5:31.

"I was the challenger and I didn't know anything about my opponent," Yoshida said. "When I heard he was the champion from two years ago, I was surprised."

Yoshida, who won the national high school title at freestyle 80kg in his most recent tournament before coming to Bishkek, said Kusaka's momentous victory over Makhmudov inspired him.

The two share a special relationship beyond being teammates in Bishkek -- Yoshida is currently a student at Kusaka's alma mater of Takamatsu Kita High School in western Japan.

"Yesterday, my 'senpai' Kusaka won the title by beating Makhmudov, and I thought he was so cool," Yoshida said. He added that roommates Harada and Inaba encouraged him. "Even though I am a high school student, my elder teammates were saying 'you're gonna win it.' That made me determined to win the championship."

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In restoring some pride for Iran after the two defeats, Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) showed the might of the top tier of wrestlers from the Middle East powerhouse when he overwhelmed Iussuf MATSIYEV (KAZ) 9-0 in the 97kg final.

Saravi, a world bronze medalist the past two years after winning the gold in 2021, put together a pair of gut wrenches from par terre, then executed a takedown-roll combination to put away 2022 world U20 silver medalist Matsiyev in just under two minutes.

Saravi has now medaled in 16 consecutive international tournaments dating back to 2019, all of which ended with victories -- 11 golds and five bronzes. His most recent triumphs include last October's Asian Games and the Yasar Dogu tournament in Turkiye in March.

Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) defeated Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) in the 67kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Earlier, 2022 world U20 champion Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) denied the host country a gold when he edged Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) 3-1 in the 67kg final.

The 21-year-old Esmaeili Leivesi held out while on the bottom of par terre in the first period, then scored 2 in the second period with a good second effort when he was on top.

With the silver, Beishekeev improved on the bronze he won last year. He was also a bronze medalist at the Asian Games.

World bronze medalist Liguo CAO (CHN) earned a bronze medal at 60kg at the Asian Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

China chalks up 4 bronze medals

China came away with four bronze medals, including one captured by Houzhi HAO (CHN) at 97kg when he defeated Beksultan MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) 5-3 and prevented him from joining his more famous younger brother Akzhol as a medalist in their home tournament.

Hao gave up a passivity point and roll in the first period, but went ahead with a roll of his own when put on top in par terre. He added a late counter takedown to win 5-3.

Liguo CAO (CHN) got the ball rolling for China when he added to his expansive collection of bronze medals with a 7-3 victory over Galym KABDUNASSAROV (KAZ) at 60kg. Cao, a world bronze medalist, scored six points in the second period to secure his second straight Asian bronze.

At 67kg, Lei LI (CHN) spoiled Turkmenistan's hopes of a first Asian medal since 2018, scoring a stepout and takedown in the second period for a 4-2 victory over a fatigued Rovshen ATDAYEV (TKM).

Ji LENG (CHN) earned the first major medal of his career when he got a roll from par terre and a stepout in the second period for a 4-2 victory over Adilkhan SATAYEV (KAZ) for a 72kg bronze.

Hanjae CHUNG (KOR), the silver medalist at 60kg last year, moved up to two divisions and took the other bronze at 67kg by edging Almatbek AMANBEK (KAZ) 1-1 on last-point criteria after both wrestlers received a passivity point.

Chung had to endure a second turn on the bottom of par terre a second time, but Amanbek was unable to take advantage.

Amirreza DEHBOZORGI (IRI), the lone Iranian to fail to make the final, assured he would not leave empty-handed when he stormed to a 9-0 victory at 60kg over former champion Ilkhom BAKHROMOV (UZB).

Dehbozorgi, the world U20 bronze medalist, put the Uzbek away in his first chance at par terre, scoring a roll, a 4-point throw and a second roll to end it in just under two minutes.

At 72kg, Abdullo ALIEV (UZB) struck with a slick 2-point throw soon after the opening whistle and made that hold up in a 2-2 criteria victory over Adilkhan NURLANBEKOV (KGZ), who was denied a third straight Asian bronze. Nurlanbekov had a chance in the second period, but his throw from par terre yielded only a stepout point.

Bekzat ORUNKUL UULU (KGZ) added a bronze medal to the home team's tally that made the difference in the team race with a 3-1 victory over Sejin YANG (KOR) at 82kg, scoring with a somewhat unorthodox front roll off par terre in the first period.

Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) posted a nearly identical victory over Rohit DAHIYA (IND) for the other 82kg bronze, getting a more conventional gut wrench to also win 3-1.

Jeongyul KWON (KOR) won the other bronze at 97kg, scoring a 2-point exposure in the first period and holding on for a 2-2 victory on big-point criteria over Badamdorj BALTMUNKH (MGL). Mongolia has yet to win an Asian medal in Greco.

Day 5 Results

Greco-Roman

60kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) df. Kaito INABA (JPN) by TF, 11-0, 5:28

BRONZE: Amirreza DEHBOZORGI (IRI) df. Ilkhom BAKHROMOV (UZB) by TF, 9-0, 1:57
BRONZE: Liguo CAO (CHN) df. Galym KABDUNASSAROV (KAZ), 7-3

67kg (15 entries)
GOLD: Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) df. Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ), 3-1

BRONZE: Hanjae CHUNG (KOR) df. Almatbek AMANBEK (KAZ) 1-1
BRONZE: Lei LI (CHN) df. Rovshen ATDAYEV (TKM), 4-2

72kg (11 entries)
GOLD: Shingo HARADA (JPN) df. Mohammadreza ROSTAMI (IRI), 9-5

BRONZE: Abdullo ALIEV (UZB) df. Adilkhan NURLANBEKOV (KGZ) 2-2
BRONZE: Ji LENG (CHN) df. Adilkhan SATAYEV (KAZ), 4-2

82kg (9 entries)
GOLD: Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) df. Rasoul GARMSIRI (IRI) by TF, 9-0, 5:31

BRONZE: Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) df. Rohit DAHIYA (IND), 3-1
BRONZE: Bekzat ORUNKUL UULU (KGZ) df. Sejin YANG (KOR), 3-1

97kg (10 entries)
GOLD: Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) df. Iussuf MATSIYEV (KAZ) by TF, 9-0, 1:59

BRONZE: Jeongyul KWON (KOR) df. Badamdorj BALTMUNKH (MGL), 2-2
BRONZE: Houzhi HAO (CHN) df. Beksultan MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) 5-3

Makhmudov, coach put on clinics in rural Japan

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Sharshenbekov cruises to 3rd straight Asian gold; Japanese pair stuns Iranians