Russia Completes Olympic Freestyle Lineup as Kozyrev Qualifies at 125kg; US falls short

Thursday, May 6, 2021 - 20:11 By Ken Marantz

Sergei KOZYREV (RUS) assured that Russia would join Iran in sending a full freestyle team to the Tokyo Olympics, while Jordan OLIVER (USA) came up just short of adding the United States to that list.

Kozyrev hung on to an early lead to defeat Daniel LIGETI (HUN) 3-2 in the 97kg semifinals at the final world Olympic qualifying tournament on Thursday night in Sofia, Bulgaria.

"I had no pressure of qualifying Russia because I am mentally very strong," said Kozyrev, who was coming off a silver medal performance at the European Championships.

With the two finalists in each weight class earning Olympic berths for their countries, Kozyrev's victory gave Russia an entry in all six freestyle weight classes. Iran had completed the set at last month's Asian Olympic qualifier in Almaty.

Olympic host Japan doubled its number of freestyle berths when both Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 57kg and Sohsuke TAKATANI (JPN) at 86kg won their semifinal matches. Japan had previously qualified at 65kg and 74kg at the 2019 World Championships in Nursultan, then failed to add to the total at the Asian qualifier.

Japan was only country with multiple semifinal winners, as 10 others picked up one Olympic berth each.

For Slovenia, however, the wait for a first-ever Olympic wrestler goes on after American-based David HABAT (SLO) came up just short at 65kg, losing 9-7 to Georgios PILIDIS (GRE) after falling far behind early.

Pilidis Greece World Olympic Qualifier — Georgios PILIDIS (GRE) after qualifying his country for the Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Habat rebounded after spotting Pilidis a seven-point lead to go into the second period trailing 7-4. But Pilidis scored 2 points off a counter to a tackle, and that would prove the difference when Habat scored a stepout and a takedown later on. The match ended with Pilidis desperately clinging onto Habat's leg.

"Everything was good because I was preparing very hard for this," Pilidis said. "I had a lot of injuries and this is only my second time wrestling at 65kg. It's a new weight category for me."

Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Albert SARITOV (ROU) earned a chance to earn another medal when he rallied to a 3-2 victory over Valerii ANDRIITSEV (UKR) in the 97kg semifinals.

Andriitsev gained an activity point and a stepout to lead 2-0 after the first period, and Saritov did not get on the scoreboard until receiving an activity point with 1:03 left in the match. But he managed to get behind the Ukrainian and pull him backwards to the mat for a 2-point takedown with :20 to go.

Whether it was the pressure or just the closeness of the competition, none of the semifinal matches were decided by a fall or technical fall; in fact, only one wrestler scored in double-figures, and eight of the 12 matches were decided by two points or less.

Magomedkhabib KADIMAGOMEDOV (BLR) was the high-scorer of the round when he emerged from the stacked 74kg division with an Olympic ticket by outclassing newly crowned European champion Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) 12-4 in a clash of former Russians.

Kadimagomedov, the 2020 European gold medalist at 79kg, padded a 4-1 lead with a 4-point counter lift in the second period, then added two takedowns off counters to cool off Salkazanov.

"Today is the biggest win of my career no doubt because it's my dream to compete at the Olympics," said Kadimagomedov, a 79kg bronze medalist at last December's Individual World Cup.

The other Tokyo ticket at 74kg was won by Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), who scored a pair of second-period takedowns to defeat European bronze medalist Mitchell FINESILVER (ISR) 4-2.

"It was a difficult bout because it was hard to control my weight as I am cutting 8 kgs," Mykhailov said. "In the end I was able to do it and reach my goal of qualifying."

Japan's Takahashi, the 2017 world champion, started the session with a 2-0 victory at 57kg over Reineri ANDREU (CUB), marking his third career win over the Cuban, none of which have been by more than two points.

Yuki Takahashi Japan World Olympic Qualifier — Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) won the Olympic quota for Japan at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Caliskan)

On the activity clock in the first period, Takahashi scored a single-leg takedown to take a lead that he neither added to nor lost. Andreu found few openings in Takahashi's defenses, but the one time he got through in the second period, the Japanese wriggled out of the predicament to clinch the win.

The victory caps a remarkable journey for Takahashi, a two-time world medalist who failed to earn an Olympic place when he finished 10th in Nursultan. After that, he lost out to Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalist Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) for the chance to go to the Asian qualifier.

But when Higuchi failed to make weight in Almaty, the Japan federation called on Takahashi to make the trip to Sofia, and he responded with a solid performance. Next he will have to face Higuchi in a playoff for the Olympic spot on a date to be determined.

"At the 2019 World Championships, I wasn't able to secure an Olympic berth," Takahashi said. "And then, I lost in the final at the All-Japan Championships, so I was not the No. 1 representative. Here in Bulgaria among many people I was able to make the final, so I'm very happy. It was very difficult to win."

The other 57kg place also went to Asia when 2018 Asian Games champion Bekhbayar ERDENEBAT (MGL) scored two takedowns in the second period to defeat three-time former European champion Giorgi EDISHERASHVILI (AZE) 6-2.

"I had no perfect plan for this and I had only winning in my mind," Erdenebat said. "When it was COVID, I was just training all the time. I lost at the Mongolian Open and failed to win the chance to wrestle in Almaty."

At 65kg, two-time world medalist Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) denied the United States a full team in Tokyo when he outlasted Oliver 3-2.

Gadzhiev Poland World Olympic Qualifier — Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) won the 65kg Olympic quota for Poland in Sofia. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Gadzhiev, the 2020 European champion at 70kg, scored all of his points in the first period with two stepouts and an activity point. Oliver scored a takedown with a powerful double-leg tackle with :45 left, but it would prove too little too late.

"This is a very difficult weight and I can’t like one bout as all of them were tough," said Gadzhiev, yet another of the successful transplanted Russians. "This was only the second time I am wrestling at this weight and I cut a lot of weight to prepare for the Olympics."

At 86kg, Japan's Takatani made sure not to allow a lapse that cost him at the Asian qualifier in grinding out a 7-2 victory over Zbigniew BARANOWSKI (POL). Takatani scored three takedowns with his single-leg attack and was never in danger.

"The Olympics will be held in my country, so I want to use this honor to flourish in Tokyo," said Takatani, the 2014 world silver medalist at 74kg who will be making his third Olympic appearance.

"At the Asian qualifying tournament, my movement was off and I couldn't do my strongpoint of tackling and string together points. In the match against the Chinese, I thought the referee misjudged the situation. But a friend told me, in wrestling there are aspects not written in the rulebook. You can't put your fate into the referee's hands. In this tournament, I was determined to win with my weapons."

In the other 86kg semifinal, Russian-born Boris MAKOEV (SVK) scored all of his points in the second period to notch a razor-thin 4-4 decision over Abubakr ABAKAROV (AZE).

Abakarov, the 2019 world U23 silver medalist at 79kg, sandwiched a pair of stepouts around a takedown for a 4-0 first period lead. But Makoev came back with a 2-point exposure off a tackle attempt, then added a 2-point gut wrench to go ahead on criteria.

The match ended with Makoev escaping after Abakarov latched onto a single leg, and then avoiding a stepout in the final seconds.

"It was a long and hard way but thank God I am qualified," Makoev said. "I prepared so hard for this and to qualify for the Olympics. In the beginning, my wrestling was not good but as the day progressed, I got better and I was able to defeat my opponents."

Italy picked up its second ticket to Tokyo when 2018 world bronze medalist Cuban-born Abraham CONYEDO RUANO (ITA) eked out a 3-2 win over Russian-born Ahmed BATAEV (BUL) at 97kg.

Italy World Olympic Qualifier — Abraham de Jesus CONYEDO RUANO (ITA) qualified Italy at 97kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

"All of the bouts today were so difficult for me but I have to thank my coaches who prepared me," Conyedo Ruano said. "This is my first Olympic qualification at senior level and I can’t believe it. It’s the most beautiful moment of my sporting career."

Conyedo Ruano led 3-0 on an activity point and two stepouts before Bataev came to life and scored a takedown with :40 left, but the Italian was able to finish him off.

"My wrestling is based on tactic and aggression and that is what gave me victory here in the semifinal," Conyedo Ruano said.

In the final bout of the session, 2019 Asian bronze medalist Sumit MALIK (IND) scored two takedowns off counters in the second period to clinch a 5-0 victory over Jose DIAZ ROBERTTI (VEN) at 125kg.

"I am very happy with this win and all my four bouts were so difficult," said Malik, who finished third at the Asian qualifier. "The semifinal was my best
"I would have qualified in Almaty as well, but I had an injury because of which I could not perform to my potential."

The semifinalists will be back Friday night for the medal round matches, where they will be wrestling for pride.

Meanwhile, the women will be in action with the final two Olympic berths up for grabs in the six weight classes.

Freestyle Results

57kg (23 entries)
SEMIFINAL - Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) df. Reineri ANDREU (CUB), 2-0
SEMIFINAL - Bekhbayar ERDENEBAT (MGL) df. Giorgi EDISHERASHVILI (AZE), 6-2

65kg (28 entries)
SEMIFINAL - Georgios PILIDIS (GRE) df. David HABAT (SLO), 9-7
SEMIFINAL - Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) df. Jordan OLIVER (USA), 3-2

74kg (29 entries)
SEMIFINAL - Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) df. Mitchell FINESILVER (ISR), 4-2
SEMIFINAL - Magomedkhabib KADIMAGOMEDOV (BLR) df. Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), 12-4

86kg (30 entries)
SEMIFINAL - Sohsuke TAKATANI (JPN) df. Zbigniew BARANOWSKI (POL), 7-2
SEMIFINAL - Boris MAKOEV (SVK) df. Abubakr ABAKAROV (AZE), 4-4

97kg (19 entries)
SEMIFINAL - Abraham CONYEDO RUANO (ITA) df. Ahmed BATAEV (BUL), 3-2
SEMIFINAL - Albert SARITOV (ROU) df. Valerii ANDRIITSEV (UKR), 3-2

125kg (20 entries)
SEMIFINAL - Sergei KOZYREV (RUS) df. Daniel LIGETI (HUN), 3-2
SEMIFINAL - Sumit MALIK (IND) df. Jose DIAZ ROBERTTI (VEN), 5-0

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 12:13 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 10) -- Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Paris Olympic champion entered in Women's Wrestling for the World Championships in Zagreb.

While four of the six champions in Paris had world titles to their names, only Motoki and now retired Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) did not. Motoki wants to change that.

"As the alarm on my smartphone to wake up in the morning, I use the music they play during the winning lap at the World Championships," Motoki had said after winning against Ozaki. "Each time I hear it, it gives me an unpleasant feeling and makes me remember what happened. Even after I won at the Olympics, that sinking feeling never really went away."

Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) is the only Olympic champion entered for Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Motoki has been to the World Championships twice before but came up short both times, winning bronze in 2022 at 59kg and silver in 2023 at 62kg.

She will be leading a strong Japanese team that has five senior world champions and four with multiple age-group titles to their names. Japan won six out of 10 gold medals in Women's Wrestling in 2023 and captured three out of four at the Non-Olympic Weights World Championships in 2024.

While Motoki enters as the favorite at 62kg, expectations are high across the lineup. The roster of returning world champions includes Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) at 50kg, Haruna OKUNO (JPN) at 53kg, Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) at 65kg, Ami ISHII (JPN) at 68kg, and Masako FURIUCHI (JPN) at 72kg.

Others completing the line up are Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) at 55kg, Himeka TAKUHARA (JPN) at 57kg, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) at 59kg and Nodoka YAMAMOTO (JPN) at 76kg.

But at the World Championships, Japan will be tested. Ukraine, the United States, and China are bringing tough names to Zagreb and the return of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will also shake up the results.

Storylines that will keep the fans engaged will be: Helen MAROULIS (USA) aiming for fourth world title at 57kg, Irina RINGACI (MDA) vs Grace BULLEN (NOR) at 68kg, Kennedy BLADES (USA) in a deep 68kg weight class and Sakura ONISHI's (JPN) big test at 59kg.

Iryna BONDAR (UKR) is the European champion at 62kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Challenge for Motoki

For Motoki, the road to gold in Zagreb may go through Iryna BONDAR (UKR), one of the rising stars in international wrestling. Bondar has already made her mark at the age-group level, winning both U20 and U23 world titles, and currently holds European Championships titles at both the senior and U23 levels.

After claiming the senior European title in April, Bondar made it clear that she's aiming for the top.

"Senior level is a whole different level of wrestling -- senior wrestling is tough and intense," she said. "Are there tougher opponents? Yes, absolutely. The toughest competitors are from Japan -- they are the strongest in the world."

Still adjusting to the pace of senior-level competition, Bondar tends to start slow in matches but has an effective arsenal of attacks once she settles in. But whether she’s ready for someone as polished and tactical as Motoki remains to be seen.

Also entered at 62kg are Asian champion MANISHA (IND), silver medalist Ok Ju KIM (PRK), and former world champion Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL), but Motoki remains the clear favorite to top the podium.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN), a 2021 world champion, is unbeaten internationally. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 50kg, Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) will aim to win her second world title, four years after claiming her first in 2021. She has not competed at the World Championships since, with Yui SUSAKI (JPN) occupying the spot during that time. However, Susaki did not enter the qualification process this year.

Yoshimoto has proven herself at the Asian level and remains unbeaten internationally since a loss to Chun Lei (CHN) at the Tokyo Test Event in 2019. Her main challenge could come from European champion Oksana LIVACH (UKR), who won a world bronze in 2018 but hasn’t returned to the podium since. Zagreb presents an opportunity and she will be keen on finishing with a medal.

The Japanese defeated Yu ZHANG (CHN) and Myonggyong WON (PRK) en route to her 2025 Asian title, and they are not expected to trouble her in Zagreb. European silver medalist Evin DEMIRHAN (TUR) and U20 world silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) will aim to finish on the podium as well.

Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) won the Pan-Am gold in May. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Osvaldo Aguilar)

Unpredictability of 53kg

Chasing her fourth world title at 53kg is Haruna MURAYAMA (JPN), who made the Japan team after defeating another world champion, Moe KIYOOKA (JPN). Murayama won her first world gold in 2017 and added a second in 2018. But she had to wait five years to win her third in 2023, largely due to Mayu SHIDOCHI (JPN) dominating the weight before the Tokyo Olympics and Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) holding the spot until Paris.

Now, Murayama has a shot at another title. The weight class, however, is deep with talent. Olympic silver medalist Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) returns for the first time since the Paris Games and could become Ecuador’s first world champion. Her explosive style has troubled even the best, including Fujinami.

Asian champion Hyo Gyong CHOE (PRK), who beat Kiyooka in the Asian final, will be a strong medal threat with her powerful gut-wrench. Jin ZHANG (CHN), a former world U20 champion, will look to build on her silver from last year at 55kg.

Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) skipped this season but is returning to the World Championships with an aim to win her first medal. The former European champion can trouble the best with her strong leg-attacks and will be a medal favorite in Zagreb.

Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE), perhaps motivated by her historic European win, is going for her fourth world medal. Also in the mix will be world bronze medalist ANTIM (IND) who finished with a bronze in Asia.

Battles at 68kg

Another packed weight class is 68kg, featuring Olympic silver medalists Kennedy BLADES (USA) and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), world champions Jia LONG (CHN), Buse TOSUN (TUR), and Ami ISHII (JPN), along with several other top contenders.

Blades, who won silver in Paris at 76kg, has looked unbeatable at 68kg this year, claiming Ranking Series golds in Zagreb and Budapest, as well as a Pan-Am title. However, the World Championships in Zagreb will be a tougher test.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

68kg Olympic silver medalist Zhumanazarova returns with the goal of winning her second world title. Though she has competed infrequently, she is always a serious gold-medal threat. She was training in Türkiye with fellow world champion Tosun, who won bronze in Paris. The big-throwing Tosun is chasing her second world title as well.

Jia LONG, last year’s world champion at 65kg, is moving up to 68kg as she targets an Olympic weight for 2028. Known for one of the most dangerous gut wrenches in wrestling, she will look to use it to mount a serious title run.

Ami ISHII (JPN) did not medal in 2023 but won gold at 72kg in 2024. While she has made significant improvements, her defensive game remains a concern, as she tends to give up points. Still, Ishii is a strong contender for gold.

Other notable names include world silver medalist Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL), Asian silver medalist Sol Gum PAK (PRK), European silver medalist Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU), and Khanum VELIEVA (UWW).

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Golden chances for Maroulis, Bakergenova

Helen MAROULIS (USA) was unsure about returning to wrestling after winning her third Olympic medal -- a bronze in Paris. But she made her comeback in Budapest, where she captured gold. Now, she has a chance to win her fourth world title in Zagreb.

Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) had previously halted Maroulis at both the World Championships and Olympics, but with the Japanese star not entered in Zagreb, Maroulis has her best opportunity to top the podium again. The American remains the most experienced wrestler in the 57kg field, and her form in Budapest showed she’s still capable of a title run.

Her top challenger will be Olympic bronze medalist Kexin HONG (CHN), who was leading her semifinal in Paris against Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) before getting caught and pinned. Hong’s powerful gut-wrench remains a major weapon.

Il Sim SON (PRK), the Asian silver medalist, is another threat but may struggle due to inexperience. Himeka TOKUHARA (JPN) is also capable of upsetting top names. Other medal hopefuls include European champion Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (UWW), Tokyo silver medalist Iryna KURACHKINA (UWW), and U20 world champions Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) and TAPSYA (IND).

At 72kg, Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) could make history by becoming Kazakhstan’s first-ever world champion. A three-time silver medalist, she lost to Amit ELOR (USA) twice and to Ami ISHII (JPN) last year, but neither of them is in her path this time. Still, the weight class has strong contenders.

Former world champion Masako FURUICHI (JPN) is looking to reclaim the top spot and stands a good chance. European champion Alla BELINSKA (UKR) is chasing her first world medal, as is world and European U23 champion Nesrin BAS (TUR). Former world U20 champion Jyoti BERWAL (IND) also has an outside chance at a podium finish.

Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) is looking to rediscover her magic on the mat. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Can Khomenets rebound?

At one point in her career, Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) was seen as the next big star in Ukrainian wrestling. She captured age-group world and European titles and won silver at the 2023 World Championships at 55kg. However, injuries derailed her progress, and she’s now working to return to peak form.

She finished seventh at last year’s World Championships, but a bronze at the European Championships earlier this year has helped her regain confidence. A medal in Zagreb could further boost her motivation.

The 55kg field is deep. European champion Ekaterina VERBINA (UWW) has emerged as a top contender, having defeated Tatiana DEBIEN (FRA) in the final. Debien will look to avenge that close 6-5 loss.

Asian 53kg champion Kyong Ryong OH (PRK) is another strong challenger. Her versatile attacks and solid defense, showcased in her win over Moe KIYOOKA (JPN), make her a serious threat.

Japan will be represented by former world U20 champion Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN), who suffered an injury in Samokov in August. Her fitness and ability to handle the weight cut from 57kg will be challenging.

Onishi in the senior league

Soon after winning her second U20 world title in August, Sakura ONISHI (JPN) said it was only the first of two she hopes to win this year -- the second being a senior world title. A month later, she heads to Zagreb aiming to complete the double.

Onishi’s deadly leg lace helped her dominate in Samokov, and across two U20 World Championships, she hasn’t conceded a single point. But senior-level competition is a different test.

She narrowly won the Asian title in April, edging Pyol HUNG (PRK) 6-4. Hung, also entered in Zagreb, will be aiming for revenge. Still, with that win and time to reflect, Onishi enters as the favorite.

Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA), world 55kg champion in 2019, is now at 59kg hoping to add another world medal. She will be tested at the heavier weight class.

Ringaci vs Bullen: Part 3

Grace BULLEN (NOR) may have won both her matches against Irina RINGACI (MDA) at 65kg this year, but neither victory came easily. In their latest bout, Ringaci was leading 14-6 and was one turn away from victory when Bullen blocked a gut-wrench attempt and secured a dramatic fall. Earlier, at the European Championships, Bullen narrowly held on for an 11-8 win in the final.

Their rivalry could see a third chapter in Zagreb, and Ringaci will be eager to finally get the win. While Bullen holds the edge, a World title victory would be far more meaningful. Both wrestlers match each other in style -- strong defense, explosive throws, and a tendency to get tangled in high-scoring exchanges.

Outside this duo, the field includes former world champions Qi ZHANG (CHN) and Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN), Olympic silver medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR), and world bronze medalist Macey KILTY (USA). Zhang has struggled since moving up from 59kg, while Morikawa, a bronze medalist last year, will need to raise her level. Koliadenko is also adjusting after moving up from 62kg. Kilty, a two-time world bronze medalist, remains a strong podium contender.

Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) is looking for her first world title. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 76kg, Asian champion Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) enters as the favorite, though recent losses -- including in the Tirana Ranking Series and Paris bronze match -- expose her troubles on the mat against quality opponents.

Among the contenders will be Milaimy MARIN (CUB) who defeated Medet Kyzy in the bronze medal bout in Paris, former Asian champion Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ), European champion Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR) and world U23 champion Kylie WELKER (USA).

Fifth-placer at the Olympics Genesis REASCO (ECU) and world U20 champion PRIYA (IND) will also aim for medals.

Russia Completes Olympic Freestyle Lineup as Kozyrev Qualifies at 125kg; US falls short

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World Championships 2025 Women's Wrestling Preview