Rio silver Higuchi marks return with 1st Asian gold

Sunday, April 24, 2022 - 16:53 By Ken Marantz

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (April 24) -- After a trying three years that included missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, Rio 2016 silver medalist Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) has returned to his winning ways. And he's eating normally, too.

Higuchi captured his first Asian title in dominant style, blitzing Darioush HAZRATGHOLIZADEH (IRI) 10-0 in just 46 seconds of the freestyle 61kg final on Sunday, the final day of the six-day Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar.

"From the beginning, I thought to go with my attacking style," said Higuchi, who won all four of his matches by technical fall. "My single-leg tackles and arm locks were working from the first match, so I don't think it was too bad."

It was an otherwise good day for Iran, which added three golds to the three it won on Saturday to easily win the team title with 201 points. India finished second with 152 points, one point ahead of Kazakhstan after both had one champion and three silver medalists.

Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) outscored his opponents 44-4 to in his four bouts. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

Higuchi, in making amends for a disappointing third-place finish in 2017, came out firing on all cylinders in the final, catching Hazratgholizadeh with a 4-point arm throw soon after the opening whistle. He added a pair of gut wrenches, then closed out the match with a takedown.

"I decided to give it a shot right at the start," Higuchi said of the arm throw, a common weapon used by Japanese lightweights. "From the first match, I was always using single-leg tackles and arm locks, so I thought my opponent had figured it out. So I decided to go for an arm throw from the beginning."

It marked a grand renewal for one of Japan's most promising wrestlers, who got caught up trying to find an appropriate Olympic weight.

After Rio, he moved up to 61kg and finished third at the Asian Championships in New Delhi. In late 2017 he made the jump to 65kg, where he won the 2018 world U23 title, but could not dislodge eventual Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) for the Olympic spot in that weight class.

After losing to Otoguro in a playoff for the Olympic spot, he decided to make the drastic drop back to 57kg, in which he had not competed since Rio. More than the domestic competition, Higuchi's battle was with the scale.

"Last year, in particular, was really bad," Higuchi said. "More than from a standpoint of wresting technique or stamina, the battle became with my weight. Last year ended with a really disappointing result. But at the end of this year, the trial process for Paris [2024] starts, I'll train harder and harder to have a better result."

Higuchi hit rock bottom in April last year when he failed to make weight at the Asian Olympic qualifier in Almaty, a tournament in which he would have been a strong favorite to take a top-two place.

The Japan federation opted to send former world champion Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) to the final world Olympic qualifier, where he secured a spot in Tokyo at 57kg for Japan. Takahashi then defeated Higuchi in a playoff for the spot, ending his dream of winning an Olympic title on home soil.

For now, Higuchi is happily ensconced at 61kg, where last December he finished second at the national championships. He still has to count calories, but not as drastically.

"At 61kg, I can eat normally," said the 26-year-old Higuchi, now a coach at his alma mater Nippon Sports Science University. "Cutting weight is just the usual amount so that I don't get emaciated and can be like a regular wrestler."

Asked about what lies ahead in the future in terms of his weight class and the 2024 Paris Olympics, Higuchi replied, "If I go up to the 65kg division, Takuto OTOGURO and Kaiki YAMAGUCHI are there. It would be a tough battle. Of course, at 57kg, there are many strong wrestlers such as Toshihiro HASEGAWA. I have to work hard on my wrestling and raise my level in practice."

So which way will he go, up or down? "[It's a] secret," he said in English with a sly smile.

Yones EMAMICHOGHAEI (IRI) won his first Asian title after beating the defending champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) in the 74kg final. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

Iran's second golden treble

Iran's golden treble on Sunday came from Yones EMAMICHOGHAEI (IRI) at 74kg, teenager Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) at 92kg and Yadollah MOHEBI (IRI) at 125kg.

In the 74kg final, Emamichoghaei scored all five of his points in the first period, and that held up in a 5-2 victory over defending champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ).

After gaining a point on the activity clock, Emamichoghaei put together a takedown-gut wrench combination to go ahead 5-0. In the second period, Kaipanov scored a takedown with :20 left, but it was too little, too late.

In adding the gold to his bronze at 70kg in 2019, Emamichoghaei avenged a 7-6 loss to Kaipanov in the semifinals at 70kg at the 2019 World Championships, where Kaipanov took the silver and Emamichoghaei a bronze.

The Iranian's win evened their head-to-head record at 2-2.

"I have defeated him twice now," Emamichoghaei said. "Once in Norway and now a second time. I am very happy about it. Next time I will train harder and win in a better way."

Emamichoghaei also faced a stiff test in his opening match in the quarterfinals, when he barely eked out a 7-5 win over Daichi TAKATANI (JPN).

"It was the first match," Emamichoghaei said. "If you are a wrestler, you know the first match is different from other bouts. In that, I was a little tight and didn’t do well, but I am happy that I won.

"A win is a win anyway. I’m the next tournament, I will definitely start my first match better than what I did here."

Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) claimed an 11-0 win in the 92kg final to win the gold. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

Firouzpour, the world junior champion and world U23 bronze medalist in 2021, simply overpowered Orgilokh DAGVADORJ (MGL) in the 92kg final, winning 11-0 in 4:51 for his third straight technical fall of the day, without conceding a point.

"Yes my opponents were not that strong and I was able to win easily," Firouzpour said.

Firouzpour stopped a throw attempt by the Mongolian for 2, then added three stepouts to take a 5-0 lead into the break. In the second period, he added a takedown and lace lock combination for 4, then finished up the match with a snap down takedown.

"I am happy," Firouzpour said. "Thank God that at the age of 19 I could win the gold medal of Asia. This is just the beginning. I hope to win more and more."

Yadollah MOHEBI (IRI) is now a three-time Asian champion at 125kg. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

Bringing the curtain down on the tournament was Mohebi's 3-1 win over Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) in the 125kg final, which added to titles he had previously won in 2017 and 2019.

In a staid affair in which both had received activity points, Mohebi scored the decisive single-leg takedown in the second period. For Yergali, it was his fourth straight Asian medal, although none are gold. He won the previous ones at 97kg.

"After I won in Iran, I was chosen for the Asian competition," Mohebi said. "I am wrestling here for the third time and I have won all of them, so thank God. Asian competition is always important for Iran and it’s all because of God that we won this time as well in team rankings."

Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) captured the lone gold for Kazakhstan at the Asian Championships. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

The remaining gold went to Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ), who after one silver and one bronze in four previous appearances, finally made it to the top step of the podium with a solid 6-1 victory over Deepak PUNIA (IND) in the 86kg final.

"I can say that this is a big victory in my career," Dauletbekov said. "Of course I am happy. With God's will, I was honored to make Kazakhstan's anthem play and the flag be raised. I'm glad that I could protect my country's honor. I'm dedicating this victory to my mom and dad."

Dauletbekov, who was second in 2017 and third in 2018, chalked up a stepout and takedown in each period to defeat the former world junior champion Punia, who settled for the silver for the second year in a row.

The 2017 world U23 and 2014 world junior silver medalist, is looking to make his mark on the global senior stage.

"There are many good wrestlers in my weight category," Dauletbekov said. "To be a champion at all the other wrestling events, I will train as hard as possible."

In the bronze-medal matches, Yeihyun JUNG (KOR) gave Korea its lone medal of the entire championships when he caught Shatlyk HEMELYAYEV (TKM) in an early headlock and clamped down for a fall in 1:34 at 125kg.

The other match at 125kg was a doozy, made even more so by the presence and eventual victory of local favorite Batmagnai ENKHTUVSHIN (MGL). Enkhtuvshin gave the home crowd one final thrill by rallying from a 9-1 deficit to edge Sardorbek KHOLMATOV (UZB) by the un- heavyweight score of 15-12.

Both bronze-medal matches at 61kg also had thrilling finishes, with neither outcome decided until the final seconds.

Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ), the 2020 champion, scored a 2-point exposure off a single-leg takedown attempt with :02 left to edge Mangal KADYAN (IND), 6-4.

Likewise, Akbar KURBANOV (KAZ) came out of a final scramble behind Alibeg ALIBEGOV (BRN), then forced him to the mat with :12 left for the winning takedown and a 5-4 win.

Mohsen MOSTAFAVI (IRI), the only Iranian who did not make the finals Sunday, will go home with a bronze after scoring three stepouts in a 4-0 win over Gwanuk KIM (KOR) at 86kg.

The other 86kg bronze went to Bobur ISLOMOV (UZB), who edged Saiakbai USUPOV (KGZ) 6-5 to deny him a second straight bronze.

At 92kg, 2020 silver medalist Takuma OTSU (JPN) was left to rue what might have been, after he got caught on his back attempting a front headlock roll while holding a 12-8 lead, and Adilet DAVLUMBAYEV (KAZ) clamped down for a fall in 5:34.

Viky CHAHAR (IND) took the other 92kg bronze, scoring two takedowns in the second period of a 5-3 victory over Ajiniyaz SAPARNIYAZOV (UZB).

At 74kg, neither match went the distance. Japan's Takatani picked up his third Asian medal with a 10-0 technical fall over Byambadorj BAT ERDENE (MGL), while Islambek OROZBEKOV (KGZ) won his second straight bronze by whitewashing 2021 silver medalist Ikhtiyor NAVRUZOV (UZB) 11-0.

Photos: Asian Championships day six

Day 6 Results

Freestyle

61kg (13 entries)
GOLD: Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) df. Darioush HAZRATGHOLIZADEH (IRI) by TF, 10-0, :46

BRONZE: Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ) df. Mangal KADYAN (IND), 6-4
BRONZE: Akbar KURBANOV (KAZ) df. Alibeg ALIBEGOV (BRN), 5-4

74kg (12 entries)
GOLD: Yones EMAMICHOGHAEI (IRI) df. Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ), 5-2

BRONZE: Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) df. Byambadorj BAT ERDENE (MGL) by TF, 10-0, 4:37
BRONZE: Islambek OROZBEKOV (KGZ) df. Ikhtiyor NAVRUZOV (UZB) by TF, 11-0, 5:42

86kg (11 entries)
GOLD: Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) df. Deepak PUNIA (IND), 6-1

BRONZE: Bobur ISLOMOV (UZB) df. Saiakbai USUPOV (KGZ), 6-5
BRONZE: Mohsen MOSTAFAVI (IRI) df. Gwanuk KIM (KOR), 4-0

92kg (8 entries)
GOLD: Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) df. Orgilokh DAGVADORJ (MGL) by TF, 11-0, 4:51

BRONZE: Adilet DAVLUMBAYEV (KAZ) df. Takuma OTSU (JPN) by Fall, 5:34 (10-12)
BRONZE: Viky CHAHAR (IND) df. Ajiniyaz SAPARNIYAZOV (UZB) 5-3.

125kg (9 entries)
GOLD: Yadollah MOHEBI (IRI) df. Alisher YERGALI (KAZ), 3-1

BRONZE: Yeihyun JUNG (KOR) df. Shatlyk HEMELYAYEV (TKM) by Fall, 1:34 (4-0)
BRONZE: Batmagnai ENKHTUVSHIN (MGL) df. Sardorbek KHOLMATOV (UZB) 15-12

#WrestleAmman

Asian C'ships 2025 Day 4 Women's Wrestling Finals Set

Friday, March 28, 2025 - 08:28 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

AMMAN, Jordan (March 28) -- After five Women's Wrestling weight classes, it's turn for the remaining five -- 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg and 72kg -- at the Asian Championships which enters day four.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 3 REPORT

72kg gold medal bout: Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) vs Yuqi LIU (CHN)

14:17: Yuqi LIU (CHN) earns a shot at adding the senior Asian 72kg gold to the U20 one she won last year when she notches a 5-2 victory over Svetlana OKNAZAROVA (UZB). Early in the first period, Liu misses an opportunity when she gets Oknazarova's leg into the air, only to see the Uzbek twist herself free. Liu gets an activity point and that accounts for the lone score of the first period. The action opens in the second period, and Liu scores with a single-leg takedown, but Oknazarova responds with a double-leg that puts Liu onto her back, but is scored only as a 2-pointer. Liu adds an insurance takedown on a counter.

14:15: Former world champion Masako FURUICHI (JPN) and four-time world medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) battle it out in the 72kg semifinals and it's a snoozefest. Bakbergenova gets the 1-0 lead after Furuichi fails to score when put on activity clock in the first period. Furuichi gets the 1-1 criteria lead when Bakbergenova fails to score in the second. Bakbergenova is hit with another passivity in the second period and Furuichi leads 2-1 with 43 seconds on the clock. Bakbergenova gets Furuichi out of bounds but she is on her knees and it's called no points. Furuichi defends with all might but Bakbergenova scores the stepout this time to win 2-2. Bakbergenova with the win with 0.6 seconds left despite Japan's challenge.

65kg gold medal bout: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) vs. Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL)

14:02: World 59kg champion Qi ZHANG (CHN) manages to cut Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) lead to 4-2 with a takedown but Morikawa gets two takedowns in the final minute and Zhang gets one. Morikawa wins 8-4 to enter the final at 65kg. In her only other Asian Championships appearance in 2022, Morikawa won gold but it was a round-robin bracket in which she did not get to celebrate the win in final, a fact she rued that year.

13:58: Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL) will get a chance to improve on her silver from last year, advancing to the 65kg final with victory by fall over Shakhzoda ALLANIYAZOVA (UZB). Tuvshinjargal gets in deep on a double, and when Allaniyazova goes over the top in defense, Tuvshinjargal twists backward for a 2-point exposure. She then works her way up to fall position and pins Allaniyazova down at 1:59.

62kg gold medal bout: Ok Ju KIM (PRK) vs MANISHA (IND)

13:54: After three consecutive bronze medals, MANISHA (IND) will finally be fighting for the gold when she chalks up a 5-1 victory at 62kg over Kalmira BILIMBEK KYZY (KGZ). Limited to an activity point in the first period, Manisha starts the second period with a stepout, then adds a snap-down takedown. She scores another stepout with a minute to go, then inadvertently gives up one when she goes out spinning behind for a takedown.

13:50: In perhaps the match of the semifinal session, Ok Ju KIM (KIM) secures the fall over Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) at 62kg. Kim tried the cradle, then went for the half-nelson before pinning Ozaki and make it to the 62kg final on international debut for the 24-year-old.

57kg gold medal bout: Il SIM SON (PRK) vs Sara NATAMI (JPN)

13:42: Il Sim SON (PRK) follows Natami by also bringing an early end to her 57kg semifinal, using a barrel roll to put Youngjin KWON (KOR) onto her back, then moving to a headlock and leg wrap to secure the fall in 2:08.

13:41: Kexin HONG (CHN) can't catch a break getting pinned via step overs from her opponents. Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) did it in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics now at the Asian Championships, Sara NATAMI (JPN) gets the fall.

53kg gold medal bout: Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) vs. Hyogyong CHOE (PRK)

13:40: In a much-anticipated clash between young stars, Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) goes on the offensive as expected in their 53kg semifinal and ANTIM (IND) does what she does best, fending off. For one period at least. Kiyooka, limited to an activity point in the first period, breaks through with Antim on the activity clock for a single-leg takedown, then adds a thigh-lock roll. The world 55kg champion then repeats the process to end the match with a 10-0 win in 4:10.

13:35: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) takes only a minute and 13 seconds to complete her leg lace and win 10-0 against Otgontuya CHINBOLD (MGL) and reach the 53kg final.

Semifinals will begin 13:30 Amman time.

13:00: ANTIM (IND) with a low single as soon as the whistle goes for the 53kg quarterfinal against world U20 champion and senior world silver medalist Jin ZHANG (CHN). She adds a takedown to make it 4-0 inside the first minute. Zhang with a double hand lock throw but Antim survives the pin attempt. Another takedown for Antim and she leads 6-2 at the break. Antim adds another takedown with snapdown for an 8-2 lead. Her double underhooks help her defend whatever Zhang is throwing at her. Zhang gets two points after Antim defends with a chestwrap but Zhang exposes her. She adds another to cut the lead to 8-6. Both wrestlers in a tangle and referees call for a consultation. It is scored two for Antim, two for Zhang, giving Antim a 10-8 win. China challenge the decision. On review it is Antim is awarded two points twice and she wins 10-6

12:47: Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL) with a fall over Jeongae BARK (KOR) in the 65kg quarterfinal. Perfect headlock for the fall

12:44: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) had to launch a big four-pointer to lead 4-2 against Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ) in the 65kg quarterfinal.. Mukatay had countered the first attack secured a 2-0 lead. Morikawa begins the second period with a stepout. Step over defense from Morikawa to make it 9-2 before securing the fall with 1:46 left on the clock.

12:41: MANISHA (IND) muscles her way into the 62kg semifinals with a victory by fall over Hanbit LEE (KOR). As she receives an activity point, Manisha uses double underhooks on the mat to leverage Lee over and gains the fall in 2:25.

12:38: Kalmira BILIMBEK KYZY (KGZ) explodes for nine points in the second period to notch a 10-4 victory over Miyasar KUSHMURATOVA (UZB) and advance to the 62kg semifinals

12:36: Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) gets over a major hurdle in her quest for a third Asian gold when she grinds out a 4-1 victory over Lili LILI (CHN) to make the 62kg semifinals. Ozaki gets an activity point in the first period and early in the second to lead 2-0. She gets in on a single-leg and gets the leg into the air, only for Lili to mule-kick her way out of the predicament. Lili receives an activity point, adding to the tension as the clock ticks down. With :10 left, Lili attempts a last-ditch front headlock roll, but Ozaki stuffs it for a final 2.

12:33: Sara NATAMI (JPN) puts on a technical masterclass of takedowns and wins 11-0 against Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) to enter 57kg semifinals.

12:27: Moe KIYOOKA (JPN), last year's world and Asian champion at 55kg who has moved down to 53kg, puts on a takedown clinic in cruising to a 10-0 victory over Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE). She topped off her fourth takedown with a quick lace lock to end the match in 1:58.

12:25: Youngjin KWON (KOR) did not let Danielle LIM (SGP) from the headlock and secures the fall after a 7-0 lead to advance to the 57kg semifinals.

12:24: Shakhzoda ALLANIYAZOVA (UZB) loses a challenge for a counter to a counter-lift by Maysa YUSUPJANOVA (TKM) that would have ended the match on a technical fall, but goes on to pancake her opponent to mat and score an actual fall to advance to the 65kg semifinals.

12:21: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) needs just 46 seconds to get a takedown against Zeinep BAYANOVA (KAZ), rip off four lace-lock rolls and secure her spot in the 53kg semifinals with a 10-0 win.

12:20: Bolortungalag ZORIGT (MGL) begins the 72kg quarterfinal with the typical Mongolian headlock throw for four against Yuqi LIU (CHN). Liu answers with a takedown but Zorigt leads 4-2. With just over a minute remaining, Liu gets Zorigt on her back to the mat and secures a fall and enter the semifinals.

12:20: Qi ZHANG (CHN) builds up a 7-2 lead in the first period against Asian U23 silver medalist Dilnaz SAZANOVA (KGZ). The two trade stepouts in the second period before Zhang adds a late takedown for a 10-3 win and a possible semifinal clash with Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN).

12:12: Il Sim SON (PRK) is into the semifinals at 57kg with a victory by fall over Sezim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ).

12:10: Four-time world medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) begins her quest for a third Asian gold and sixth medal overall with a 10-0 victory over Sehee KIM (KOR) to advance to the semifinals at 72kg. After her third takedown, Bakbergenova rolls Kim twice to end the proceedings.

12:08: Nonoka OZAKI (JPN), former Asian champion and Paris bronze medalist at 68kg, is back to 62kg. She had to make the desperate move to 68kg but losing the domestic qualifiers at 62kg in Japan. She defeated Ami ISHII (JPN) to get the spot at 68kg for Paris. She returned to 62kg at the Emperor's Cup and won the gold to qualify for Asian Championships. Up against Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL), Ozaki opens up a 4-0 lead before takedowns are exchanged and Ozaki leads 6-2 at the break. The second period starts with a single-leg attack from Ozaki for two. Sukhee is quick with her attacks as well but Ozaki resets and defends to score takedwon. Sukhee keeps shooting on the legs and score a stepout as Ozaki is feeling the heat of the weight cut. Another sweep single from Sukhee, Ozaki defends for a while but gives up another takedown as Sukhee cuts her lead to 10-5 with 25 seconds remaining. Sukhee attempts a big throw but Ozaki with a whizzer and secures a 12-5 win.

12:06: Masako FURUICHI (JPN), one of the few wrestlers on the planet who has completed the "Grand Slam" of all four world age-group titles, faces a rising star in her opening match at 72kg in Jyoti BERWAL (IND), the world U20 champion at 76kg. An actionless first period sees Berwal take a 1-0 lead into the second. It's more of the same, as Berwal gets an activity point, but gives up a penalty point. In the final 20 seconds, Furuichi comes to life and completes a single-leg takedown with :10 left for a 3-2 win.

12:05: Asian U23 bronze medalist Svetlana OKNAZAROVA (UZB) is trailing 2-0 when she slams Nurzat NURTAEVA (KGZ) to her back for a fall at 72kg. Nurtaeva was last year's Asian U23 champion at 68kg.

12:02: Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE), a silver medalist from 2021, with a buzzer-beating exposure to beat Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) at 53kg! Akhmedova was leading 5-3 but allowed Hsieh the leg attacks and while backtracking on her hips, there was exposure. Uzbekistan challenged but the decision was upheld as Hsieh won 6-5

11:57: Another historic first at these Asian Championships as Aylah MAYALI (PLE) becomes the first-ever female participant from Palestine when she faces Shakhzoda ALLANIYAZOVA (UZB) in a qualification-round match at 65kg. Allaniyazova opens the scoring with a double-leg takedown, then counters a Mayali shot to a stalemate. Allaniyazova adds another takedown at the edge to lead 4-0 at the break. In the second period, Allaniyazova gets a takedown and gut wrench, but Mayali reverses for her first points. In the end, the Uzbek proves too much and comes away with a 12-2 win, but not a bad effort for the debutante.

11:56: MANISHA (IND), last year's champion at 65kg, has dropped down to 62kg and starts strong with an 11-0 win over Asian U23 silver medalist. Tynys DUBEK (KAZ).

11:49: Il Sim SON (PRK), looking to do her part for DPR Korea in the team standings, starts off with a nice fireman's carry and never lets off the gas in posting an 11-0 win over Pei Ying LIAO (TPE) at 57kg in just under two minutes.

11:50: Jordan had its first wrestler in women's wrestling at the senior Asian Championships on Thursday and today Balqis TAAIBIN (JOR) is the second. However, she cannot produce a win for the hosts as Jeongae BARK (KOR) beats her 12-2 at 65kg.

11:45: Gaukhar MUKATAY (KAZ) with a headlock to fall over Dieu Thuong LAI (VIE) at 65kg. Lai was leading 6-0 but Mukatay with a reversal to get the fall.

11:42: World U23 bronze medalist Neha SHARMA (IND) advances at 57kg with an 8-1 victory over Nilufar RAIMOVA (KAZ), a 2023 Asian bronze medalist.

11:39: Qi ZHANG (CHN), last year's champion and the 2023 world chamipion at 59kg, gets her campaign at 65kg started with lightning quick 10-0 rout of MONIKA (IND).

11:38: Bolortuya KHURELKHUU (MGL) only got going in the second but she did well and secured a fall over Thi Hien DANG (VIE) after building a 14-7 lead.

11:38: In the opening match on Mat B, Nethmi PORUTHOTAGE (SRI) seemed on the road to a rare victory for Sri Lanka, using an impressive double-leg takedown in taking leads of 6-0 and 8-4, only to get caught in a cradle by Youngjin KWON (KOR) and lose by fall at 57kg.

Rio silver Higuchi marks return with 1st Asian gold

Comments

Asian C'ships 2025 Day 4 Women's Wrestling Finals Set