MINSK, Belarus (October 6) – Over 20 countries battled for a spot atop the podium at the 2016 Grappling World Championships, but it was once again Russia who took home a series of gold medals.

Russia dominated both days of Grappling and Grappling Gi, capturing more medals than any other country and once again capturing both team titles.

Belarus hosted the 2016 Grappling World Championships – the first time they had hosted the prestigious event.

In the first day Nikoletta SZMOLKA of Hungary, current European Champion in the +71kg, was able to conquer the World Championship at a lower weight, 71kg, beating former world champion Rimma TROPINA, after escaping a dangerous armbar.

Between the men, most dominant performance came from former World Champions from Russia Zaynukov ZAINUTDIN (66kg) and Pshihachev ALBERT (71kg).

First time attending team of Pakistan was able to make great impression at the competition when Furqan Ahmad KHAN (PAK) was able to eliminate 4 times world champion Ivan TOMASETTI (ITA) in the first round of 100kg category.

Second day of the tournament, in the competition with the GI, the dominance of Russia was clear again, but Spain manage to win 2 gold medals with the standout Abdeselam Kaddur YUSEF (77kg) and multiple time world champion Juan Francisco ESPINO (+100kg).

Iranian female team was once again competing after their last year debut, bringing home two bronze medals with Ahmadipouya NEGIN (53kg) and Riahieshkaftaki ATEFEH (71kg). This year Iran was coached by former world champions Irena PREISS (POL) and Simone FRANCESCHINI (ITA), a decision that was proved right as both man and female they were able to improve the medal count from previous year.

Russia won the team ranking with first place in both days (17 Gold medals between Grappling and Grappling GI). France took second twice the podium thanks to the gold medals of Fraux Béatrice (64kg) , Habel Marie CHARLOTTE (+71kg) and the outstanding performance of Melan DJATI (84kg) in the first day and the gold of Charlotte (+71kg) and Valentin Blumental (66kg) in the Grappling Gi.  Bronze medals went to Ukraine in the Grappling and Spain in the Grappling Gi.

Results (PDF)