#wrestlebishkek

Six countries win Paris quotas at Asian qualifier

Friday, April 19, 2024 - 04:08 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

Share this article

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 19) -- Six countries earned two Paris Olympic spots each in Freestyle on the first day of the Asian Olympic Games Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Hosts Kyrgyzstan won at 57kg and 65kg while Iran added quotas at 74kg and 97kg. Japan earned the Paris spots at 65kg and 86kg and Uzbekistan got it at 57kg and 74kg. Kazakhstan pulled off the spots at 97kg and 125kg while Mongolia was successful at 86kg and 125kg.

125kg wrap: Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) earns a ticket to a second straight Olympics at 125kg, while denying Zhiwei DENG (CHN) for now what would be his third trip, by gaining an activity point in each period for a 2-0 win. Munkhtur's victory in the clash between the losers of the bronze-medal matches in Tokyo, gives Mongolia its second Paris quota of the night.

Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) held on to a 7-3 win over Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) to win the second Paris 2024 quota for Kazakhstan and deny Bahrain its second. Batirmurzaev scored a takedown and used his strong gut wrench to deny Sharipov.

97kg: Iran filled its fifth Freestyle quota for the Paris Olympics as Zagreb Open champion Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) defeated Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL) 3-0 at 97kg. Azarpira got a point for Ganbaatar's passivity and then scored a takedown in the second period to win. 57kg is the only weight in which Iran has not qualified for the Paris Olympics.

Three-time Asian medalist Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) earns a ticket to Paris and a possible second Olympics for himself at 97kg by edging Awusayiman HABILA (CHN) 3-2 at 97kg. Yergali takes a 2-0 lead in the first period with an activity point and a stepout off a takedown attempt. In the second, Habila was on the activity clock again when he got in on a single leg. But the clock ran out before the Chinese could finish off the takedown, leaving Yergali ahead 3-2. The outcome was a virtual replay of Yergali's 2-1 win over Habila in the first round at last year's World Championships.

86kg wrap: Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN) needs just 34 seconds to book his ticket to Paris, gaining a takedown and then reeling off four quick gut wrenches to defeat Gwanuk KIM (KOR) 10-0. Ishiguro, a 2023 Asian bronze medalist and 2018 world junior champion at 79kg, did not have to wrestle in the afternoon session, as he received a victory by default in his lone match. It gives Japan a fourth Paris quota in freestyle.

Mongolia gets on the Paris 2024 quota list as Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) wins a snooze fest against Zushen LIN (CHN). After Lin got one point for Byambasuren's passivity, Lin failed to score in the second period when he was put on the activity clock. Byambasuren held on to that 1-1 criteria win and the quota.

74kg wrap: Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB) shows he still has a lot of life left in his 34-year-old body when he earns a shot at a third career Olympics with a well-executed 6-0 victory at 74kg over home favorite Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ). Abdurakhmonov came out firing from the opening whistle, scoring a lightning-quick single-leg takedown that caught his opponent so off guard, that he was able to lift him full up in the air and slam him to the mat, where he then immediately went to a high-chest roll. Toktomambetov gets in a deep single in the second period, but two-time world bronze medalist Abdurakhmonov starts a counter scramble that ends with him on top for a takedown.

Iran now has its fourth Paris 2024 quota in Freestyle as Yones EMAMI (IRI) puts on a takedown show to beat Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) in three minutes and 49 seconds. Emami had failed to win a quota at the World Championships after losing to Zaurbek SIDAKOV (AIN) and later to Hetik CABALOV (SRB) in the repechage. But a dominant performance in Bishkek sees him tick one more spot for Iran.

65kg wrap: Kyrgyzstan picked up its second Freestyle quota for Paris 2024 as Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) posted a controlled 5-3 win over Kwang Jin KIM (PRK). Trailing 2-1 at the break, Akmataliev got a takedown in the second period before being awarded a point for Kim's passivity. The two exchanged stepouts but Akmataliev led 5-3 with little time left for Kim to score a takedown for a win.

Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) picked up Japan's third quota in Paris -- and a chance to keep the 65kg Olympic gold in Japanese hands -- with a comprehensive 11-0 victory over Shaohua YUAN (CHN). Kiyooka used a low single to maximum effect to score two takedowns in the first period which, combined with an activity point, gave him a 5-0 lead. In the second, he landed a double-leg takedown, applied the lace lock and rolled twice to end the match in 4:30. Kiyooka knocked off Tokyo Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) to earn the right to represent Japan in Bishkek. His victory came six days after his younger sister Moe won the women's 55kg gold at the Asian Championships in the same venue.

57kg wrap: Kyrgyzstan won the first Paris 2024 quota of the Asian OG Qualifier as Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ), winner of this year's Yasar Dogu tournament in Turkey and a two-time world U23 bronze medalist, pulled a ticket to Paris out of his hat with a counter takedown with 14 seconds to edge Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) 3-3 on criteria. After each received an activity point that gave the Kyrgyz the lead on criteria, Batkhuyag fought out of a deep double-leg takedown to score a takedown with a minute left to go ahead 3-1. Batkhuyag grabs a single and tries to hang on for dear lift, but Almaz Uulu breaks the hold and gets behind to give Kyrgyzstan its first freestyle quota in Paris.

The second Paris quota at 57kg was won by Uzbekistan as Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) pinned 2023 Asian champion AMAN (IND) in the first period. Abdullaev used a takedown before hitting a duckunder for four. He used a takedown and roll and kept Aman on his back to secure the fall. 

Here are the qualification bouts for Paris 2024

57kg
Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ) vs. Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL)
Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) vs. AMAN (IND)

65kg
Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) vs. Shaohua YUAN (CHN)
Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) vs. Kwang Jin KIM (PRK)

74kg
Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB) vs. Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ)
Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) vs. Yones EMAMI (IRI)

86kg
Gwanuk KIM (KOR) vs. Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN)
Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) vs. Zushen LIN (CHN)

97kg
Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) vs. Awusayiman HABILA (CHN)
Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL) vs. Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI)

125kg
Zhiwei DENG (CHN) vs. Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL)
Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) vs. Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ)

12:50: Zagreb Open champion Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) proves too high of a hurdle for rising Japanese star Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) to overcome, pulling away in the second period for a 9-1 win at 97kg. Azarpira extended his lead to 3-1 early in the second period with a third stepout while on the activity clock, then began piling up the points.

12:48: Former world champion Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) turned his match around in a hurry, overcoming a six-point deficit in the second period to chalk up a 12-6 win at Tsogbadrakh TSEVEENSUREN (MGL). Akmataliev starts the comeback with a takedown and two gut wrenches to go ahead on criteria. But he doesn't stop there, adding a 4-point counter lift, and still having time to add a takedown.

12:45: Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) led 2-0 after two passivity points against Kwang Jin KIM (PRK). But Jalolov gets called for fleeing and is docked a caution and one. A stepout for Kim makes it 2-2 criteria lead for him. Jalolov can't match the pace of Kim who gets a stepout and fleeing to win 5-2.

12:38: In the candidate for Match of the Day, Shaohua YUAN (CHN) outlasts Maiis ALIYEV (KAZ) with a wild 16-15 win at 65kg. Yuan is leading 4-2 when in a wild flurry, Aliyev gets 4, Yuan gets 4, then Aliyev gets 3, giving the Kazakh at 9-8 lead going into the second period. The madness doesn't stop there, as Aliyev goes ahead with two takedowns, only for Yuan to storm back with an arm throw for 2 and a chest lift for 4. Yuan gets a stepout that could have gone either way, and Aliyev scores a takedown with :03 left. He tries a lace lock, but it is ruled too late, and an unsuccessful challenge point is tacked on.

12:27: Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) with five takedowns to beat Junsik YUN (KOR) 10-0 and enter the semifinals at 65kg. He has to win one more bout to qualify Japan for the Paris Games.

12:22: China and Korea go at it on adjacent mats, and the Chinese take both. Two-time Olympian and two-time world medalist Zhiwei DENG (CHN), who placed fifth in Tokyo, gets a takedown and gut wrench in the first period and beats Yeihyun JUNG (KOR) 5-0 at 125kg. At 97kg, Asian Games bronze medalist Awusayiman HABILA (CHN) scores a takedown and exposure in the last 20 seconds to put away a fatigued Juhwan SEO (KOR) 6-2.

12:22: Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN), who won a bronze medal in the just completed Asian Championships, gets his points in the first period and makes it hold up in a 2-1 victory over Khasanboy RAKHIMOV (UZB) at 125kg.

12:20: Gankhuyag GANBAATAR (MGL) with a pin over Magomed IBRAGIMOV (UZB). He hits two four-pointers for a 12-5 lead before 40-year-old Ibragimov just gave up.

12:11: In a 74kg quarterfinal with non-stop action, two-time world medalist Yones EMAMI (IRI) proves too much for Byungmin GONG (KOR), scoring four takedowns on counters in the second period for a 15-4 win. The two put together an 11-point first period when Emami scored three takedowns against Gong's two.

12:10: Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) gives no chance to Erzo ISAKOV (JOR) and wins his 86kg quarterfinal 7-1 and advances to the semifinal.

12:10: Tokyo Olympian Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) finishes off Andrey ARONOV (KGZ) with a 4-point takedown in a 10-0 victory at 97kg.

12:01: Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ) hangs for a thrilling 3-2 win over Wanhao ZOU (CHN) at 57kg. Almaz Uulu gets a stepout to lead 1-1 on criteria at the break. In the second period, he gets a stepout with Zou on the activity clock, which gives him a 3-1 lead when it expires. Zou drives him out, but what could have been a takedown was ruled a stepout, and Almaz Uulu managed the run out the clock the rest of the way.

12::00: Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) with a leg lace to end SUMIT's (IND) Olympic hopes in Bishkek. He advances to the 125kg semifinals and is a win away from the Paris Olympic quota.

11:57: Bekzod ABDURAKHMONOV (UZB) in a high-scoring battle with top seed Feng LU (CHN) but comes out on top with a fall at 74kg. The Uzbek star led 15-9 before he got the fall 23 seconds into the second period.

11:56: Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) hits a textbook-perfect lateral drop to throw Aiaal LAZAREV (KGZ) onto his back before securing a fall at 2:49 and booking his place in tonight's 125kg Olympic qualifying match.

11:50: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) gives up a takedown to JAIDEEP (IND), then comes back with one of his own, and that makes the difference as he holds on to win 2-2 on last-point criteria in their 74kg quarterfinal.

11:50: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) shows the perfect strategy against Chongsong HAN (PRK) to advance to the 57kg semifinals. He was put on the activity clock in the first period but hit a cradle to lead 4-1. Han is called for blocking with hands and Abdullaev wins 7-1. He faces AMAN (IND) for a Paris 2024 quota

11:45: Asian Games bronze medalist Kwang Jin KIM (PRK) advances to the 65kg quarterfinals by rolling to a 9-0 victory over Jelaletdin SEYIDOV (TKM).

11:43: AMAN (IND) books his spot in the 57kg semifinals with an 11-1 win over Sunggwon KIM (KOR). Slow off the blocks, Aman ups the charge in the second period and wins 11-1

11:41: Iran dealt with a huge blow! Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) drops his 57kg quarterfinals to Munkh Erdene BATKHUYAG (MGL) 14-3. Two four-pointers, a takedown and two rolls for Batkhuyag.

11:37: Young Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) continues to impress, powering his way to a 10-0 victory over DEEPAK (IND) at 97kg. Yoshida will next face Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) for a spot in the semifinals, a meeting with an opponent from his father's country of origin.

11:30: Gwanuk KIM (KOR, an Olympian in 2016, took a step toward making it to Paris by holding off Dovletmyrat ORAZGYLYJOV (TKM) for a 6-5 victory at 86kg.

11:29: Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN), who beat Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) to represent Japan in Bishkek, wins his first bout over Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK) 10-7. A strong leg-lace game from Kiyooka to keep Kudiev at bay. Last week, Kiyooka's sister, Moe won the Asian Championships at 55kg

11:21: Former 70kg world silver medalist Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), looking to make his first Olympics at 65kg, cruises to a 10-0 victory over Mohammed KAREEM (IRQ). Akmataliev gets a takedown and three exposures for an 8-0 lead, then uses a counter lift for 2 to finish the match in 2:29.

11:19: 2022 Asian champion Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) puts Taiki YAMAMOTO (JPN) in a power battle and gives no chance to Yamamoto to even attack. A 10-0 technical superiority win for the former world silver medalist.

11:16: Andrey ARONOV (KGZ) avoids becoming the first Kyrgyz wrestler to lose when he rallies to a 10-9 victory over Shatlyk HEMELYAYEV (TKM) at 97kg. He will next face top seed Alisher YERGALI (KAZ).

11:14: Byungmin GONG (KOR), the 2021 Asian champion at 79kg, follows his second takedown by applying a lace lock against 2023 Asian bronze medalist Suldkhuu OLONBAYAR (MGL) at 74kg. Three quick rolls and it's over.

11:10: Big match on Mat C as Yeihyun JUNG (KOR) scores a stepout in the final second to pull off an incredible win over Zyyamuhammet SAPAROV (TKM). Jung led 6-4 but Saparov kept coming back and took a 9-9 criteria lead before Jung got a single-leg attack to finish outside the zone. A lost challenge from Turkmenistan made it 11-9

11:06: Ahmad JAVAN (IRI), looking to fill one of the three quotas that Iran still lacks in freestyle, gets off to a slow start but pours it on in the second period for a 10-0 win over Aiaal BELOLYUBSKII (TJK) at 57kg.

11:03: Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ), the 2021 Asian champion, with the fall over Zaman ANWAR (PAK) at 125kg. He will face Aiaal LAZAREV (KGZ) in the quarterfinals.

11:00: Did Bekzod ABDURAKHAMOV (UZB) survive a pin there? Magomet EVLOEV (TJK) had him a cradle but Abdurakhamov made it out of the hold and hung on for a 6-4 lead. He scores two takedowns in the second period to win 10-6 at 74kg.

10:58: Asian Games bronze medalist Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) scores all of his points in the second period to defeat Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) 7-1 at 74kg. A takedown to a gut wrench, then a counter lift for 2 followed by a stepout does the trick for Toktomambetov.

10:50: AMAN (IND), the 2023 Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, makes short work of Yerassyl MUKHTARULY (KAZ) with a 10-0 victory in their opening match 57kg.

10:50: Alp BEGENJOV (TKM) hit a solid arm throw for four over JAIDEEP (IND) but the Indian remains calm and pins Begenjov 30 seconds before the break to advance at 74kg

10:46: Chongsong HAN (PRK) takes a minute and five seconds to see off Gayan KATHURANGANA (PRK) in the 57kg qualification bout. His next opponent is Gulomjon ABDUALLEV (UZB).

10:45: Veteran Junsik YUN (KOR), trailing 5-1 at one point in the second period, storms back and defeats Alibeg ALIBEGOV (BRN) 6-6 on criteria with a stepout with seven seconds left at 65kg.  

10:43: Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ), a two-time world U23 bronze medalist, gives the home team a victory to open the proceedings on Mat B, defeating Ali ABURUMAILA (PLE) 9-2 at 57kg.

10:44: A 43-second pin for Tokyo Olympian Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) over Kabe MATJANOV (TKM). A solid arm-bar pin from Abdullaev to advance at 57kg.

10:43: The first match in 57kg and Sunggwon KIM (KOR) holds on for a 1-1 win over Khattab AL ANI (IRQ) after two passivity calls.

10:30: The first day of the Asian Olympic Qualifier with six Freestyle weights classes. Bishkek is ready for it

#WrestleSamokov

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 Preview

Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 08:11 By Vinay Siwach

Share this article

SAMOKOV, Bulgaria (August 13) -- A quick stat: Of the 30 gold medalists from last year's World U20 Championships, 13 will compete at the senior World Championships in Zagreb, a testament to the event's importance. This year's competition in Samokov, Bulgaria, from August 17 to 24, will undoubtedly introduce the next generation of wrestling stars.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PREVIEW HERE

The eight-day event will feature 650 wrestlers: 233 in Freestyle, 231 in Greco-Roman, and 186 in Women's Wrestling. A significant number, 186 wrestlers, are returning from last year's competition. In Freestyle, 11 medalists are back, including one champion. Greco-Roman has 10 returning medalists, with three champions, while Women's Wrestling boasts 17 returning medalists and three defending champions.

Marcus BLAZE (USA)Marcus BLAZE (USA) is a returning bronze medalist at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

FREESTYLE

Last year, the United States had an incredible run, with nine of its 10 wrestlers winning a medal. This year, the U.S. is aiming to defend its team title for the first time. The team includes four returning medalists: Marcus BLAZE (61kg), PJ DUKE (70kg), Ladrion LOCKETT (74kg), and Justin RADEMACHER (97kg).

Iran will likely be its main challenger, looking to reclaim the team title they last won in 2023. However, the U.S. team is motivated, particularly after it recently stunned Iran to defend its team title at the U17 Worlds. Other major challengers include Georgia, Azerbaijan, India, and UWW wrestlers, many of whom are continental champions.

One of the returning medalists and a strong favorite for gold is Marcus BLAZE (USA). His only loss last year was to Masanosuke ONO (JPN), and he's now looking to add a world U20 title to his U17 one.

He won't be without competition, however. Ahora KHATERI (IRI), a 2023 world U17 champ, is also looking to add a U20 gold to his resume in his first event. Khateri wrestled at the Zagreb Open this year and finished fifth. The field is further bolstered by European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM), silver medalist Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), Asian U20 champion Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) and Allan ORALBEK (KAZ).

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA)Ladrion LOCKETT (USA) will look to upgrade his silver to gold at 74kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA), a silver medalist last year, is a strong contender for gold. His aggressive style and high pace will be key against opponents who often can't handle his intensity. His biggest challenge will come from European U23 champion Ismail Khaniev (UWW), European U20 champion Manuel Wagin (GER), and returning bronze medalist Aghanazar Novruzov (AZE).

Lockett defeated Novruzov in the semifinals last year, but the latter recently added a senior European bronze to his resume and could cause an upset. The field also includes Asian U20 champion Mahdi Mamivand (IRI) and European U20 silver Raul Caso (ITA), who will be at his fourth U20 Worlds.

PJ DUKE (USA), who earned a spot on the U.S. senior team for Zagreb, is now looking to upgrade his bronze medal to gold this year. Wrestling at 70kg, Duke has been in phenomenal form, memorably pinning Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) to make the senior team. A classic U.S.-Iran battle is expected in this weight class, as he'll face 2022 world U17 champion Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI), who recently won the Asian U20 gold medal. Elahi was also at the Zagreb Open but finished fifth.

While some weight classes feature clear favorites, others are wide open. The competition at 79kg is a prime example. The only returning champion is Alp Arsalan BEGENJOV (TKM), who made history as Turkmenistan's first-ever world U20 champion. However, he's had mixed results since then, including a loss to CHANDERMOHAN (IND) and a pin by AMIT (IND).

This opens the door for a host of contenders. Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI), who lost his first bout to Begenjov last year, has since had a phenomenal run, winning a senior Asia gold, a world U23 title, and a silver at the Zagreb Open.

Leandro ARAUJO (BRA) is also looking to change the color of his medal. Araujo won bronze last year and silver at the Pan-Am U20 Championships. He'll be challenged by the wrestler who beat him in that final, William HENCKEL (USA), a potential gold medalist himself. Also in the mix are European U20 champ Davit TCHETCHELASHVILI (GEO), silver medalist Muradkhan OMAROV (AZE) and returning fifth-placers Said SAIDULOV (UWW) and Amit.

Another Iran wrestler who has improved significantly is Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI). After winning bronze last year, he's gone on to secure gold medals at senior and U20 Asians. While not a clear favorite, a gold medal in Samokov is definitely within his reach. European U20 champion Dachi PAPINASHVILI (GEO) and silver medalist Ahmet YAGAN (TUR), a returning bronze medalist himself, will be among those hoping to deny Rahmani.

European U20 champion Konstantine PETRIASHVILI (GEO), the younger brother of Olympic champion Geno, will be looking to add another world title to his name.
Having finished eighth last year, Petriashvili will be keen on finishing on the podium this year at 97kg. But he'll face a stiff challenge from Erfan ALIZADEH (IRI), the U20 Asian champ. Alizadeh's experience on the senior circuit, where he earned a silver at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, could be key to navigating Petriashvili's attacks. Also in the mix is Justin RADEMACHER (USA), a returning bronze medalist who is determined to claim the gold he missed last year.

Both Ashab DADAEV (FRA) and Magomedgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (UWW) lost to Petriashvili at the European U20s in close bouts. They will look to change the result they end up meeting the Georgian in Samokov.

Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ)Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) is a returning bronze medalist at 92kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 92kg, returning bronze medalists Anar JAFARLI (AZE) and Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) are ready to compete. Kurugliyev, a 2023 world U20 champ at 97kg and a 2022 world U17 champion, has moved down a weight class. While Jafarli lacks Kurugliyev's resume, he is a gold medal threat, having defeated the returning Connor MIRASOLA (USA) for bronze last year.

European U20 and U23 silver medalist Musza ARSUNKAEV (HUN) is also a factor, capable of upsets with a strong record that includes a 2022 world U17 silver medal. He recently finished fifth at the Budapest Ranking Series.

The 125kg class is set to be a battle of redemption and first-time glory. Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE), a former world U17 champion, is determined to claim a U20 title after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year, a goal bolstered by his recent European U20 silver.

His path to gold could be blocked by Inal GAGLOEV (UWW), the European U20 gold medalist who is stepping onto the world stage for the first time. The competition also features Pan-Am U20 champion Cole MIRASOLA (USA) and Asian U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ). For Kassimbek, the stakes are high; he has lost two U17 world finals, including one to Dursunov, and is now hungry for his first major gold.

Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW)Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW) is the favorite to win gold at 65kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

The 65kg weight class has a strong favorite: Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW). He won both the European U20 and U23 Championships with seemingly little trouble.

Yet, there will be challenges at the world level, which include European U20 silver medalist Viktor BOROHAN (UKR) and former Euro U20 champ Abdullah TOPRAK (TUR). Both of them have already suffered a defeat to Dzhandubaev but can step up on the day. The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Luke STANICH (USA), Aliasghar TATHASHTIKEH (IRI), who is making his international debut, and Omurbek ASAN UULU (KGZ), a 2024 world U17 champ who won bronze at the Asian U20s.

Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE)Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) is a two-time former world U17 champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Can former world U17 champion Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) add a U20 title? The European U20 champion’s path to gold won't be easy, as he'll face Nika ZANGALADZE (GEO), the only wrestler to truly test him in Italy. The U.S. is pinning its hopes on Anthony KNOX (USA), who is making his international debut.

Meanwhile, Iran has a strong contender in Arshia HADDADI (IRI), a bronze medalist at both the Asian U20 and 2022 World U17 Championships. Also challenging for gold is Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), who has been training in the U.S. at Oklahoma State University.

 Sakura ONISHI (JPN)Sakura ONISHI (JPN) is a senior Asian champion at 59kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

The statistic about in the first paragraph of this preview primarily highlights the strength of Women's Wrestling as seven champions from last year will be at the senior World Championships later in September.

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) and Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) will represent Japan and the Zhang twins, Yu and Jin, will challenge for China. Christelle RODRIGUEZ (USA), Iryna BONDAR (UKR) and Jyoti BERWAL (IND), all gold medalists from Pontevedra, will also be in Zagreb.

Now back in Samokov, both Uchida and Onishi will be wrestling for their second straight world U20 gold medal at 57kg and 59kg respectively.

Since her 2024 title, Onishi has won gold medals at Asian Championships and Muhamet Malo Ranking Series. She is also a world U17 champ and silver medalist from 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Onishi will have her hands full with Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), who is undefeated this year with European U20, U23 and Zagreb Open golds under her belt. NEHA (IND), a 57kg bronze medalist from last year, moves up to 59kg, bringing with her a recent silver from the Budapest Ranking Series and gold from the Mongolia Open. Marta HETMANAVA (UWW) and Aubre KRAZER (USA) are also strong contenders for a podium finish.

Unlike her teammate Onishi, Uchida is coming into the competition with a spotless international record. She would like to like that record and it seems that little will trouble her in Samokov.

Some formidable wrestlers include Pan-Am U20 champion Agnia KRAKOVSKA (CAN), Asian U20 champion TAPSYA (IND), European U20 champion Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR), and silver medalist Tindra DALMYR (SWE). A later dropout due to injury was Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), a senior European medalist and former world U20 champion. 

Apart from these two, Japan's line-up includes 2022 world U20 champ Ayano MORO (JPN) at 76kg, 2023 world U17 champs Rinka OGAWA (JPN) at 50kg and Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) at 53kg, So TSUTSUI (JPN) was a 57kg silver medalist at the 2024 world U17 championships, 2023 world and Asia champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) at 68kg and 2024 Asian U20 champ at 65kg Momoko KITADE (JPN).

At 76kg, the favorite to win gold is Ayano MORO (JPN), the 2022 world U20 champion. This weight class promises to be one of the most hotly contested, as Moro will renew her rivalry with PRIYA (IND), who she had defeated to win the title in 2022. The Indian wrestler, who won the U20 title in 2023, recently won silver at the Budapest Ranking Series and gold at Asian U23s and is a two-time world U17 champion.

The division is further stacked with returning bronze medalists Naomi SIMON (USA) and Elmira YASIN (TUR), as well as European U20 champion Nadiia SOKOLOVSKA (UKR) and silver medalist Diana TITOVA (UWW).

Audrey JIMENEZ (USA)Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) is a two-time world U20 silver medalist. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ogawa will have her task cut out at 50kg as two-time world U20 silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA), who is hungry to finally claim a gold medal after two losses in the finals. Jimenez's impressive resume also includes a senior Pan-Am title and 2023 World U23 silver medal. Na HU (CHN), a 2024 world U17 champion, will aim to keep the 50kg title with China, following Yu ZHANG's (CHN) victory last year.

For Masuda at 53kg, the challenge may be tougher. Her weight class includes European U20 bronze medalist Sevval CAYIR (TUR), Asian U20 champ SAARIKA (IND), European U20 champ Anastasiia POLSKA (UKR) and European U20 champ at 50kg Kseniya KOSTSENICH (UWW).

In the highly competitive 55kg weight class, several talented wrestlers are vying for the top spot. Leading the charge is returning silver medalist Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL), who brings a wealth of experience from her training in Japan.

She will face stiff competition from returning bronze medalist and European U23 champion Tuba DEMIR (TUR), Asian U20 and U23 champion REENA (IND), who also secured World U23 and U20 bronze medals in 2023, European U20 champion Gerda TEREK (HUN) and the 2024 Pan-Am U20 champion Everest LEYDECKER (USA). 

With such a deep pool of talented wrestlers, So TSUTSUI (JPN) will face a challenging path to the gold medal, especially against rivals like Byambasuren.

Hoshino, the 2023 world U20 champion, is one of the favorites at 68kg. She is in a deep field with Ayse ERKAN (TUR), a returning silver medalist and European U20 bronze winner and Oleksandra RYBAK (UKR), a strong contender with European U23 bronze and 2024 World U17 silver medals.

The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Eduarda BATISTA (BRA), returning bronze medalist SRISHTI (IND), and Asian U20 champion Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ). A new face, 2025 world U17 champion Wenjin QIU (CHN), aims for her second world title in three weeks.

At 65kg, Beyza AKKUS (TUR), who is returning silver medalist and European U20 champion, is a favorite for the gold. But she’ll have to get past Momoko KITADE (JPN), a 2024 Asian U20 champion. Both Margarita SALNAZARIAN (UWW) and Zaixue RUI (CHN), who were bronze medalists last year, are also strong contenders.

At 72kg, all eyes will be on Jasmine ROBINSON (USA), the defending champion who dominated last year's event. She's a strong favorite to win gold again. However, Yuqi LIU (CHN), the silver medalist, is focused on revenge.

KAJAL (IND), the Asian U20 champion, brings impressive credentials, including silver medals at the World and Asian U17 events this year. Another name to watch is Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (UWW), a European U23 champion who finished fifth last year.

At 62kg, European U20 champion Ruzanna MAMMADOVA (AZE) will look to win a medal after finishing fifth last year at 59kg. But she will have to go past Asian U20 champ ANJLI (IND), who also won silver at World U23 Championships last year and Pan-Am U20 champ Annika FINES (CAN).

Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI)Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI) is a returning silver medalist at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

GRECO-ROMAN

Iran has won five straight team titles in Greco-Roman at the World U20 Championships. But winning the sixth will be challenging. While Iran’s line-up in 2024 was incredible, this year's does not guarantee the same.

The team, however, is still a strong contender, but countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Ukraine have their top wrestlers, and a few top UWW wrestlers are also in.

Leading the charge for Iran is Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI), a returning silver medalist at 130kg. After winning his second Asian U20 gold this year, he's the top contender for gold. Last year, he was stunned in the final by Laszlo DARABOS (HUN), who isn't competing this year. Instead, Koppany LASZLO (HUN) -- a bronze medalist from Budapest Ranking Series -- will take his place.

Other notable names include last year's world and European U17 champion Ivan YANKOVSKYI (UKR), who is making his U20 debut against wrestlers like European U20 silver medalist Ali ILIASOV (UWW) and former world U17 champion Saba PURTSELADZE (GEO). Two-time former world U17 champion Cemal BAKIR (TUR) is also in the mix, looking for his first major U20 success after placing seventh at last year's U20 Worlds and eighth at this year's European U20 Championships.

Payam AHMADI (IRI)Payam AHMADI (IRI) is one of the favorites to win gold medal at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran's gold medal hopes extend to Asian U20 champion Payam AHMADI (IRI), a 2023 world champion at 48kg, and now the front-runner at 55kg.

His biggest challenger is two-time former world U17 champion Turan DASHDAMIROV (AZE), who suffered his first-ever continental loss, taking silver at the European U20 Championships recently. The wrestler who handed him that defeat was Ivan SOLOMIN (UWW), who will be a formidable opponent in Samokov.

Also in the mix is Koba KARUMIDZE (GEO), a European U20 bronze and U23 silver medalist. Having lost to Dashdamirov three times already, he's eager for revenge and a shot at the gold. A dark horse to watch is Anil MOR (IND), who has shown significant improvement this year, winning gold at the Mongolian Open and bronze in Budapest. He had finished 10th last year in Pontevedra.

Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW)Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), world U20 champ at 72kg, will be wrestling at 77kg in Samokov. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

In a different weight class this year, Ahoura BOUVEIRI PIANI (IRI) returns for Iran. After finishing 16th at 72kg last year, he moved up to 77kg. This will be his third World U20s, and he's aiming for his first medal. It'll be a tough challenge, however, as the weight class includes returning world 72kg champion, Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), who was also a world U17 champion in 2023.

Another former world U17 champion, Anri PUTKARADZE (GEO), won the European U20 gold, and is a strong contender for the world title. He's known for his formidable par terre defense and a successful gut-wrench.

The list of contenders also includes European U20 silver medalist Davud MAMMADOV (AZE), who lost to Putkaradze in the 2024 world U17 final but has senior-level experience. Asian U23 champion Akzhan YKYLASSOV (KAZ) is also a notable entry in this stacked weight class.

Georgia brings more podium threats, including European U20 champions Aleksandre RUSITASHVILI (GEO) at 72kg and Luka KOCHALIDZE (GEO) at 87kg. Rusitashvili will face a familiar field at 72kg, led by his European rival, Gaspar TERTERYAN (ARM), a returning ninth from 67kg and 2024 Euro U20s silver medalist.

This weight class is a major focus for Greece, whose best medal hope is former world U17 champion Arionas KOLITSOPOULOS (GRE). He'll be challenged by Ahmadreza MOHAMADIAN (IRI), who is making his U20 debut and seeking revenge after losing to Kolitsopoulos in the 2023 world U17 final.

Other contenders for gold include returning 67kg silver medalist Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ), former world U17 champion Joel ADAMS (USA), and Asian U20 champion Ahmad KODIROV (UZB).

For Kochalidze, repeating his results at 87kg from Euros may be tough, as the weight class features recently crowned world U17 champion, Amirsam MOHAMMADI (IRI).

The competition is further intensified by strong gold medal contenders, including Asian U20 champion and returning bronze medalist Temirlan TURDAKYN (KAZ) and European U20 silver medalist Abdurakhman ABDULKADYROV (UWW).

The 67kg weight class is shaping up to be one of the toughest in Samokov. Erzu ZAKRIEV (UWW), the returning world 63kg champion, is the favorite to claim his second title. Last year, Zakriev was dominant, his only real test coming from Anri KHOZREVANIDZE (GEO) in the semifinals.

Khozrevanidze, who is also moving up to 67kg, won bronze at the European U20s and was the U23 champion. He will be looking to avenge his loss to Zakriev and win gold. Also in the mix is returning silver medalist Otto BLACK (USA). After competing at the senior level in Budapest and Zagreb without medaling, he'll face a new set of challenges with Zakriev and Khozrevanidze now in his weight class.

Zhantoro MIRZALIEV (KGZ), the Asian U20 champion and 2023 world U20 silver medalist, is back with gold on his mind. Vladyslav POKOTYLO (UKR), European U20 silver medalist, and Fayozbek ESHMIRZAEV (UZB), Asian U20 silver medalist, are also strong favorites to reach the podium.

The 60kg weight class is stacked and leading the pack is European U20 champion Aykhan JAVADOV (AZE). He aims to add a world U20 gold to the U17 title he won last year. He will face a familiar rival in senior European bronze medalist Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO), whom Javadov defeated in last year's European U20 final.

Returning bronze medalist Papik DZHAVADIAN (UWW), a Euro U23 bronze medalist, is also a serious contender for gold. Other top names include Isaiah CORTEZ (USA), a 55kg silver last year who has moved up in weight, and Adam SILVERIN (SWE), a European U20 silver medalist hoping to improve on last year's 12th-place finish to earn Sweden its first world U20 medal since 2021.

Former world U17 champion SURAJ (IND) will make his U20 debut and his recent success makes him one of India's strongest medal hopes.

At 97kg, finalists from last year, Darius KIEFER (GER) and Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR), are set to resume their rivalry. Yakushenko is the defending champion, having defeated Kiefer 6-4 in the final last year in addition to beating the German wrestler in the European final as well.

However, Kiefer has already avenged his loss at the European level, defeating Yakushenko to win gold at this year. He is now focused on reversing his world U20 loss.

The field also includes strong contenders like Gor AYVAZYAN (GEO), who won a world U20 silver and European title in 2023 and a world U17 gold in 2022. He finished 12th at the U20 Euros but is a proven threat. Iran's Hadi SEYDI AVENDI (IRI), the Asian U20 champion, also has the talent to go all the way.

The 63kg weight class could be Uzbekistan's chance for gold. Following its recent success at U17 level, Uzbekistan will hope to continue the trend at the U20 Worlds. Senior Asian champion Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) is aiming to win Uzbekistan's first U20 Greco-Roman world title since 2011.

Standing in his way are several top contenders: European U20 champion Igor PUNCHENKO (UWW), silver medalist Tural AHMADOV (AZE), and Asian U20 champion Emirlan DUISHENALIEV (KGZ).

The 82kg weight class can witness former world U17 champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) win gold. He returns as a bronze medalist from last year, is the 2024 senior Asian champion. The field also has Anri DAVITADZE (GEO), whom Yoshida defeated for the bronze in Pontevedra last year.

The top challengers are Asian U20 champion Dias SEITKALIYEV (KAZ) and European U20 champion Mikhail SHKARIN (UWW), who is also a 2024 world U17 champion. Yoshida has a history with Shkarin, having defeated him in a thrilling 8-6 final at the 2023 World U17 Championships.