U20 Worlds 2018 Freestyle Champs: Where are They Now

Friday, August 7, 2026 - 08:00 By Vinay Siwach

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (August 7) -- The U20 World Championships are back in Slovakia after eight years. The country hosted the U20 Worlds in 2018 at the Mestska Sports Hall in Trnava.

It was the first U20 World Championships with 10 weight classes in Freestyle, Women's Wrestling and Greco-Roman. Among the 30 U20 world champions from Trnava, a few went on to win Olympic and world gold medals at the senior level.

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Here's the list of the 10 Freestyle champions from the 2018 U20 World Championships and where are they now:

Wrestling Akhmed IDRISOV (RUS) — *Akhmed IDRISOV (RUS), 57kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

57kg: Akhmed IDRISOV (RUS): WATCH 57kg Final - Idrisov vs NAVEEN (IND)

Idrisov was making his international debut at the 2018 U20 World Championships and he won the gold medal. Idrisov went on a scoring run of 46-6 in five bouts that also included a 9-2 victory over Arsen HARUTYUNAYAN (ARM) in the semifinals.

The Russian wrestler returned for the 2019 U20 World Championships and won bronze. In 2021, he won gold at U23 European Championships but has not competed internationally since.

Wrestling Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RUS) — *Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RUS), 61kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

61kg: Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RUS): WATCH 61kg Final - Magomedov vs TURMANIDZE (GEO)

Magomedov had one of the most dominant runs in Trnava, outscoring his opponents 50-4 in five bouts and winning gold. He had a breakout senior year in 2021 in which he won the gold medals at World and European Championships.

In 2023, Magomedov won silver medal at the World Championships and repeated as the European champion in 2024 before moving up to 65kg. After missing out on making the Russian team, Magomedov won the Russian National Championships in 2026 and will look to win his third world medal in Astana in October.

Wrestling Saiyn KAZYRYK (RUS) — *Saiyn KAZYRYK (RUS), 65kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

65kg: Saiyn KAZYRYK (RUS) - WATCH 65kg Final - Kazyryk vs MAGHSOUDI (IRI)

In one of the most memorable finals in the tournament, Kazyryk defeated Amirhossein MAGHSOUDI (IRI), 8-7, to win the gold medal. A year later, he finished ninth at the U23 European Championships. However, Kazyryk failed to transitioned to the senior level.

After a six year gap, Kazyryk managed to break into the Russia team and participated at the World Championships, only to finish 10th after losing to Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN).

70kg: Khadzimurad GADHIYEV (AZE) - WATCH 70kg Final - Gadzhiyev vs JAMALOV (RUS/UZB)

One of the wrestler who has a win over Olympic champion Razambek JAMALOV (UZB), Gadzhiyev was one of the most talked about wrestlers at U17 and U20 level. He won gold after a 4-3 win over Jamalov and then moved to 74kg in 2019, finishing with a bronze medal at U20 World Championships and seventh at the World Championships.

In 2021, he managed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics but an injury stopped him from participating. Two years later, he won bronze at the Zagreb and Budapest Ranking Series but has not competed since.

Wrestling Mekhi LEWIS (USA) — *Mekhi LEWIS (USA), 74kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

74kg: Mekhi LEWIS (USA) - WATCH 74kg Final - Lewis vs ABAKAROV (AZE)

Lewis competed at only one United World Wrestling tournament and won gold. Lewis won the 74kg gold after four wins, defeated Abubakr ABAKAROV (AZE) in the final. He recently competed at the Grand Prix of Spain, finishing fifth at 86kg. Lewis, in 2019, made history as Virginia Tech's first NCAA wrestling champion.

Wrestling Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN) — *Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN), 79kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

79kg: Hayato ISHIGURO (JPN) - WATCH 79kg Final - Ishiguto vs BROOKS (USA)

Ishiguro won the gold medal after a thrilling final against Aaron BROOKS (USA) that he won 11-10. He would go on to be an Olympian. He competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics at 86kg and finished seventh. But his biggest achievement came in 2025 when he won the silver medal at the World Championships. Ishiguro has also won medals at the U23 World and Asian Championships.

Wrestling Arif OZEN (TUR) — *Arif OZEN (TUR), red, U20 world champion at 86kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

86kg: Arif OZEN (TUR) - WATCH 86kg Final - Ozen vs PUNIA (IND)

Ozen remains Turkiye's last U20 world champion in Freestyle. He won a close final against Deepak PUNIA (IND), 2-1. He moved up to 92kg but has failed to make the Türkiye team for UWW events. At this year Yasar Dogu tournament, he finished seventh at 92kg.

Wrestling Abbas FOROUTANRAMI (IRI) — *Abbas FOROUTANRAMI (IRI), 92kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

92kg: Abbas FOROUTANRAMI (IRI) - WATCH 92kg Final - Fouroutanrami vs YERGALI (KAZ)

The Iranian came to Trnava as U17 world silver and U20 Asia champion. He was among the favorites to win the gold medal and did not disappoint, winning four bouts and outscoring his opponents 40-3.

In 2019, Foroutanrami repeated as U20 world champion at 97kg, and later moved to 125kg in which he won gold at Yasar Dogu.

Wrestling Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) — *Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV, then competing for Russia, won 97kg gold. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

97kg: Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (RUS/AZE) - WATCH 97kg Final - Magomedov vs ELAM (USA)

A bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Magomedov showed his class by outscoring his opponents 53-1 in five bouts, including a fall. That was his only tournament for Russia before he moved to Azerbaijan.

In 2022, Magomedov won gold at the European Championships, silver and bronze at the World Championships before going to Paris. He also has silver medals at European Championships and other Ranking Series medals. Currently, Magomedov is at 97kg but is challenged domestically in Azerbaijan.

Wrestling Soslan KHINCHAGOV (RUS) — *Soslan KHINCHAGOV (RUS), 125kg U20 world champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Max Rose-Fyne)*

125kg: Soslan KHINCHAGOV (RUS) - WATCH 125kg Final - Khinchagov vs BARGHOUT (CAN)

Among the five Russian who won gold, Khinchagov won five bouts. He defeated Aly BARGHOUT (CAN), 7-0, in the final. While he did not compete at any UWW competitions since, Khinchagov failed to replicate his success domestically and did not make the senior team.

#WrestleBudapest

Long Tops Stacked 68kg Field for Budapest Ranking Series Gold

Friday, July 17, 2026 - 21:46 By Vinay Siwach

BUDAPEST, Hungary (July 17) -- In hindsight, Jia LONG's (CHN) failure to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games looks even more surprising. She was at the Tokyo Olympics, won a world silver in 2022 and was an Asian champion in 2023. Yet, she failed to book a ticket to Paris.

However, since missing the Paris Games, Long has put together one of the strongest runs in Women's Wrestling with a world title, a world bronze and an Asian title.

Entering the Budapest Ranking Series at 68kg, Long was among the favorites. The field, however, was one of the toughest assembled for a Ranking Series event, featuring European silver medalist Alina SHAUCHUK (BLR), Olympic silver medalist and Asian champion Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), European bronze medalist Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU), European champion Nesrin BAS (TUR), among others.

Jia LONG (CHN) won gold at 68kg in Budapest. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Long opened with a 10-0 win over compatriot Zelu LI (CHN) but was quickly tested by young Sophia SCHAEFLE (GER), escaping with a close 4-2 win. Shauchuk awaited her in the quarterfinals and the Belarus wrestler got the first takedown to lead 2-0. However, Long used her powerful gut-wrench to complete an 8-2 win.

European champion Bas also managed to score two points on Long but could not sustain the pressure as Long won 7-2 to set up a final against Zhumanazarova, who had a simpler path to the final.

Aptly, the marquee match between Zhumanazarova and Long, Asian champions at 68kg and 72kg respectively, was scheduled as the last match of the session.

Long was aware of Zhumanazarova's defensive tactics but gave a taste of her own medicine in the gold medal bout. In the first period, Long got on a single leg attack and finished with a takedown. She then used her trademark high gut-wrench to expose Zhumanazarova and open up a 4-0 lead.

The second period went scoreless as Long shut down Zhumanazarova's offense, whatever little there is, keeping her lead for the win as the clock expired.

The gold medal capped an impressive campaign for Long as she builds towards 2026 World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games, the only major event at which she is yet to win a medal.

Neha Strikes Gold

NEHA (IND) captured her second straight Ranking Series gold medal at 59kg, edging Abigail NETTE (USA), 6-4, in the final. Nette struck first with a stepout to take a 1-0 lead, but it was short-lived as Neha responded with a double-leg takedown for two points.

Just before the break, Neha used a snap to score a go-behind before adding a turn. Although Nette managed a reversal, Neha still carried a 6-2 lead at the break. Nette completed a single-leg takedown in the second period to cut the lead to 6-4, but Neha closed out the bout without giving her another opening, upgrading the silver medal she won in Budapest last year to gold.

Reese LARRAMENDY (USA) defeated compatriot Jennifer PAGE ROGERS (USA), 7-1, in the 65kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

The United States secured the 65kg gold medal after an all-American final. Unheralded Reese LARRAMENDY (USA) upset her senior teammate Jennifer PAGE ROGERS (USA), 7-1, to claim her first international medal.

The two were involved in an early scramble, with Larramendy emerging on top for the opening takedown and a 2-0 lead. Page was then put on the activity clock but failed to score, giving Larramendy a 3-0 advantage at the break.

Page opened the second period with a stepout to cut the deficit to 3-1 and continued to pressure Larramendy toward the zone. During one exchange, Page appeared to force Larramendy out of bounds, but the action was allowed to continue as the officials did not award a stepout. Larramendy capitalized by scoring a takedown to extend her lead to 5-1.

Larramendy sealed the victory when Page attacked the legs but was countered for two points, completing a 7-1 victory and earning the first international medal of her career.

Ana GODINEZ (CAN) pulled off a thrilling 7-6 victory over Grace BULLEN (NOR). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Godinez Stuns Bullen

Ana GODINEZ (CAN) claimed the 62kg gold medal after MANSI (IND) was forced to withdraw through injury in the final. However, her toughest test came much earlier against European champion Grace BULLEN (NOR), who had defeated Godinez, 11-0, in the bronze medal bout at the Paris Olympics.

Trailing 6-4, Bullen scored a takedown and secured the fall but Godinez challenged the call. While the takedown was upheld, the fall was overturned after it was evident that Bullen had locked her hands behind Godinez's head.

Bullen held a 6-6 criteria advantage and needed only to protect it for the final 12 seconds. Godinez, however, scored a late stepout to secure a 7-6 victory and advance to the semifinals, where she defeated Veranika IVANOVA (BLR), 13-7.

Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY) made a successful run at 77kg and won the gold medal. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Alameldin Shines at 77kg

The two Greco-Roman finals on Friday both ended in 1-1 criteria victories, with Dinislam BAMMATOV (RUS) winning at 67kg and Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY) taking the 77kg title.

In Greco-Roman, when a wrestler is called passive, his opponent receives one point and a par terre opportunity. If both wrestlers score only from passivity and the bout ends 1-1, the wrestler who scored first wins on criteria.

Alameldin, the 2024 U20 world champion at 67kg, completed a successful move up to 77kg. He claimed a 1-1 criteria victory over former U17 world champion Alexandru SOLOVEI (MDA) in the final. But before the final, Alameldin completed a stunning 8-0 victory over Levente LEVAI (HUN) in the quarterfinals and then held off Sergei KUTUZOV (RUS), 2-2, in the semifinals.

At 67kg, Bammatov faced U23 world champion Mohamed ABDELREHIM (EGY) in the final and earned the first passivity point. Abdelrehim received par terre in the second period, but neither wrestler scored from the position, allowing Bammatov to retain the criteria advantage and secure the title.

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

59kg
GOLD: NEHA (IND) df. Abigail NETTE (USA), 6-4

BRONZE: Othelie HOEIE (NOR) df. Altyn SHAGAYEVA (KAZ), 3-3
BRONZE: Mariia VYNNYK (UKR) df. Alexis JANIAK (USA), 8-1

62kg
GOLD: Ana GODINEZ (CAN) df. MANSI (IND), via inj. def.

BRONZE: SAVITA (IND) df. Irina KUZNETSOVA (KAZ), 14-5
BRONZE: Grace BULLEN (NOR) df. Veranika IVANOVA (BLR), 6-4

65kg
GOLD: Reese LARRAMENDY (USA) df. Jennifer PAGE ROGERS (USA), 7-1

BRONZE: Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ) df. Virginia JIMENEZ (CHI), 8-2
BRONZE: Birgul SOLTANOVA (AZE) df. Miki ROWBOTTOM (CAN), via fall (10-0)

68kg
GOLD: Jia LONG (CHN) df. Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), 4-0

BRONZE: Noémi SZABADOS (HUN) df. Alina SHEVCHENKO (RUS), 5-3
BRONZE: Zelu LI (CHN) df. Nesrin BAS (TUR), 5-4

Greco-Roman

67kg
GOLD: Dinislam BAMMATOV (RUS) df. Mohamed ABDELREHIM (EGY), 1*-1

BRONZE: Ruslan BICHURIN (RUS) df. Tsuchika SHIMOYAMADAA (AUS), 13-6
BRONZE: Din KOSHKAR (KAZ) df. Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM), via inj. def.

77kg
GOLD: Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY) df. Alexandru SOLOVEI (MDA), 1*-1

BRONZE: Danil GRIGOREV (RUS) df. Aleksa ILIC (SRB), 1*-1
BRONZE: Sergei KUTUZOV (RUS) df. Levente LEVAI (HUN), 6-2