Vilk vaults into history, becomes Croatia's first world champion

Friday, August 4, 2023 - 18:34 By Gaurav Bhatt

ISTANBUL (August 4) -- After a sensational win, it's only understandable that Veronika VILK (CRO) was lost for words.

Quizzed about her feelings after becoming the first Croatian wrestler to become a world champion, a beaming Vilk simply shrugged: "I don't know."

It's par for the course for Vilk, who was equally modest after winning the U17 European title in June.

"I don't think I'm aware of my success yet, but it's a very nice feeling to win gold, especially since I won in front of a full hall," Vilk had told Glas Slavonije, a Croatian daily after her win.

That win followed a small procession in Vilk's hometown of Slatina. Friends, family, and perhaps most importantly, fellow wrestlers from her club descended on the city square to welcome their champion. Vilk should be prepared for an even bigger celebration this time around.

On Friday in Istanbul, Vilk won the battle of continental champions as she beat reigning Asian champion SRISHTI (IND). It's poetic justice that Vilk conquered the world by pinning Srishti — Sanskrit for 'the world'.

Unassuming off the mat, Vilk is anything but on it. After attempting and missing a headlock, Vilk stuck with it, circling back to the center and finishing what she started and defeating Srishti in under a minute.

"This is it. Maybe, it won't happen again," said Vilk when asked about the missed initial headlock and going for it again. You have to give your hundred percent, that's all."

Last year, she became the first Croatian woman to win a medal at a World Championships, finishing with a bronze medal in the 73kg weight class in Rome. In 2023, she has become Croatia's first woman to win a European Championships and only the third wrestler overall.

Motivated by her coach and buoyed by her European triumph, Vilk realized that she could win the big one. And now, there's an even bigger one on the horizon.

"In five years, maybe Olympic Games," Vilk smiled.

For now, it's back to Croatia for another procession. "I am so proud. I hope the little girls see me and feel motivated."

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) was in tears after winning the 53kg final in Istanbul. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

3 golds for Japan

Japan added to its three gold medals on Thursday with another three, as Sakura ONISHI (JPN) led the charge for the wrestling powerhouse. Onishi finished her 53kg campaign just the way she started it, with a technical superiority win.

Such was her dominance that no wrestler could devise a way to score on Onishi over the two days. Her marauding run included victories over the reigning U17 European champion Fabiana RINELLA (ITA) in the semifinal, and silver medallist Olga OVCHINNIKOVA (AIN) in Friday's final.

After staving off a headlock, Onishi attacked Ovchinnikova's left leg to open the scoring. She then grabbed the Albanian's bandaged right leg and capitalized with a leg lace, defeating her opponent in just 47 seconds.

Onishi's performance was a far cry from her heartbreaking defeat in the U17 Worlds final in 2022. Trailing 1-1 on criteria, Onishi tried a desperate move and was outmaneuvered by Mariia YEFREMOVA (UKR). On that fateful day in Rome, the cerebral Ukrainian made the Japanese lose a passivity battle, her cool, and eventually the gold.

There was nothing passive about Onishi this time around. To her credit, Ovchinnikova's run to the final included three pinfall wins. But the U17 European Championships silver medallist ran into a spirited Onishi on Friday.

Koharu AKUTSU (JPN) won the gold medal at 40kg after beating RACHANA (IND). (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Earlier, Koharu AKUTSU (JPN) defeated RACHANA (IND) 4-3 in the 40kg final.

Akutsu went for Rachana's left leg and quickly switched to the right. But Rachana maintained a quad-pod position before Akutsu pulled her back and managed to score two points. She doubled her lead right before the break when Akutsu countered a cradle attempt by putting Rachana in danger.

In the second period, Rachana managed to reverse a headlock and muscle Akutsu out of bounds to get on the board. After the scuffle, the Japanese rose to some visible discomfort, prompting the medical staff to attend to her right leg.

Right on cue, Rachana attacked the leg with an attempted takedown and an inside trip, eventually managing to gain two points for her efforts. But the U17 Asian champion couldn't build on the move as Akutsu ran out the clock to victory.

Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) celebrates after winning the 46kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) was the third gold medallist for Japan. The 2022 U20 Asian silver medallist fended off MUSKAN (IND) to win the 46kg gold. Masuda, who had finished runner-up at the continental championship in Kyrgyzstan in the 49kg event, prevailed on Friday after dropping a weight category.

Muskan, meanwhile, won the world title last year at 40kg and had moved up to compete in the packed 46kg division in Istanbul. The Indian gave up a size to the lanky Japanese, who utilized her longer reach to sprawl off Muskan's advances. In a particularly smooth sequence, Masuda trapped Muskan's right leg, taking an overhook position to rear waist-lock.

Masuda raced to a 9-2 lead and despite a fightback from Muskan, held on for an 11-6 win. With the win, Masuda avenged the loss of compatriot Mona EZAKA (JPN), who had lost to Muskan last year in Rome.

SAVITA (IND) defended her 61kg gold medal to become two-time U17 world champion. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Savita makes it a double

While Muskan couldn't make it a double, SAVITA (IND) defended her 61kg gold medal in style. After winning the weight class in a dominating fashion last year, Savita picked up from where she left off in Rome and stormed her way into the final.

Against Konami ONO (JPN) on Friday, however, Savita also showed perseverance and bouncebackability. Early in the bout, the Indian lost a scramble and her footing, as she was pushed out of bounds by Ono. The Japanese quickly made it 6-0, setting the stage for Savita's comeback.

Savita responded by taking Ono to the ground with sheer strength (and some help with a nifty inside trip). From there, it was Savita's show. She grabbed two more points with a speedy level change to grab Ono's right leg. The Indian kept her wits, and balance, and managed to stave off a last-ditch effort from Ono. A challenge from the Japanese contingent followed before Savita's 9-6 victory was announced.

Savita added the world title to the U17 Asian gold won in June and managed to exact some revenge on the continental rivals to make it 2-1 on the day. With 6 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze, however, Japan comfortably took the team title with 200 points. The USA finished second at 122 points (2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) and India third (1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze.)

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

40kg
GOLD: Koharu AKUTSU (JPN) df. RACHANA (IND), 4-3

BRONZE: Jaclyn BOUZAKIS (USA) df. Nurana ASADLI (AIN), via fall (10-0)
BRONZE: Shokhista SHONAZAROVA (UZB) df. Klara WINKLER (GER), 10-0

46kg
GOLD: Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) df. MUSKAN (IND), 11-6

BRONZE: Hava KONCA (TUR) df. Daniella BEKY (NOR), via fall (9-3)
BRONZE: Diana RYBCHENKO (AIN) df. Meiramgul AKHMETZHAN (KAZ), 2-0

53kg
GOLD: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) df. Olga OVCHINNIKOVA (AIN), 10-0

BRONZE: Sakibjamal ESBOSYNOVA (UZB) df. Amelia TOMALA (POL), via fall (3-0)
BRONZE: Fabiana RINELLA (ITA) df. Karlee BROOKS (USA), 7-4

61kg
GOLD: SAVITA (IND) df. Konami ONO (JPN), 9-6

BRONZE: Leah SAMSONSEN (NOR) df. Leonie STEIGERT (GER), 5-3
BRONZE: Haylie JAFFEE (USA) df. Beyza AKKUS (TUR), 6-3

69kg
GOLD: Veronika VILK (CRO) df. SRISHTI (IND), via fall (2-0)

BRONZE: Liliana KAZMINA (AIN) df. Evelin UJHELJI (SRB), 3-0
BRONZE: Jasmine ROBINSON (USA) df. Elif KURT (TUR), 5-1

Freestyle Semifinals

48kg
GOLD: Yamato FURUSAWA (JPN) vs. Paul KENNY (USA)

SF 1: Yamato FURUSAWA (JPN) df. Joseph BACHMANN (PUR), 4-2
SF 2: Paul KENNY (USA) df. Sam Reza SAYAR (IRI), 8-8

55kg
GOLD: ANKUSH (IND) vs. Marcus BLAZE (USA)

SF 1: ANKUSH (IND) df. Arshak LULUKYAN (GEO), 10-0
SF 2: Marcus BLAZE (USA) df. Samvel GEVORGYAN (ARM), 11-0

65kg
GOLD: Magomed ALIBAKHARCHIEV (AIN) vs. Sina KHALILI (IRI)

SF 1: Magomed ALIBAKHARCHIEV (AIN) df. Brock MANTANONA (USA), 14-2
SF 2: Sina KHALILI (IRI) df. Manuel WAGIN (GER), 8-2

80kg
GOLD: Alexandru BORS (MDA) vs. Magomed IDRISOV (AIN)

SF 1: Alexandru BORS (MDA) df. Zackary RYDER (USA), 4-1
SF 2: Magomed IDRISOV (AIN) df. Konstantine PETRIASHVILI (GEO), 5-1

110kg
GOLD: Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ) vs. Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE)

SF 1: Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ) df. Rakhman MALAKHMEDOV (AIN), via fall (8-2)
SF 2: Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE) df. Henrik HAYKYAN (ARM), 6-2

#WrestleZagreb

World Championships 2025 Freestyle Preview

Monday, September 8, 2025 - 13:14 By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (September 6) -- For nearly a decade, the 97kg Freestyle wrestling division was defined by two names: Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) and Kyle SNYDER (USA). From 2015 to 2017, Snyder ruled the mat, winning Olympic and World titles.

Sadulaev then took over from 2018 to 2021, claiming every major gold. When Sadulaev missed the 2022 Worlds, Snyder reclaimed the top spot.

But in 2023, a new force emerged -- Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN). He stunned the wrestling world by beating both Snyder and Sadulaev in Belgrade, claiming the world title. In 2024, he repeated his feat in Paris, solidifying his status as the man to beat at 97kg.

Now, Tazhudinov enters Zagreb as the wrestler to beat, but he’ll face stiff competition from veterans looking for redemption and rivals who came close to beating him.

Snyder, who missed the podium in Paris, remains dangerous. He once pushed Sadulaev to the limit before the latter adjusted. Snyder also fell in Albania to Arash YOSHIDA (JPN), the current Asian champion. Yoshida, blends Iranian and Japanese techniques and has excellent underhook defense and is a serious medal contender.

Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) is a three-time European champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

European champion Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) is another name to watch. He won Olympic silver in Paris but was pinned quickly by Tazhudinov. Still, as the number two seed, he avoids Tazhudinov until the final and must contend with Snyder, Yoshida, and possibly Sadulaev on his side of the bracket.

Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI), seeded number five, came closest to beating Tazhudinov in Paris, leading 3-0 before surrendering two late takedowns to lose 4-3. Back from injury, his fitness will be key if the two meet again in Zagreb.

Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), Kazakhstan’s first freestyle world champion, also pushed Tazhudinov hard at the Asian Championships but couldn’t close the match. He’s a strong bet for the podium. Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) returns after a bronze in Paris and a silver at the 2023 World Championships, remains a serious threat in one of the deepest brackets in the championships.

Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) defeated Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) in the 65kg Olympic final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic final rematch on cards

Apart from Tazhudinov, Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) is the only other Freestyle Olympic champion in Zagreb. At 65kg, all four returning medalists from Paris are entered, though Islam DUDAEV (ALB) will wrestle at 70kg.

A repeat of the 2024 Olympic final is expected at 65kg, with Kiyooka and silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) on course to collide if seeding holds. Kiyooka has never wrestled at a World Championships and skipped the season after winning gold in Paris, but his resume includes wins over world-class opponents. He beat Tokyo Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) to earn Japan’s Paris spot, and then defeated Asian champion Kaisei TANABE (JPN) twice to make the team for Zagreb.

Amouzad will be his biggest threat, looking to avenge the Olympic final. Barring that loss, the Iranian has been a consistent force, using his under-over technique to catch opponents off guard. If he can limit Kiyooka's relentless attacks and keep the match low-scoring, he may have a chance.

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European champion Ibragim IBRAGIMOV (UWW), the world U23 champion, brings a full arsenal to challenge both Kiyooka and Amouzad. He could be the biggest disruptor in the bracket.

Sebastian RIVERA (PUR), an Olympic bronze and world silver medalist, could medal again despite not competing since Paris. Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) and SUJEET (IND) are also aiming for podium finishes.

Gold drought for Uguev

Beyond Kiyooka and Yoshida, other Japanese medal hopefuls include Asian champion Takara SUDA (JPN) at 61kg, world silver medalist Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) at 70kg, Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 74kg, and the Ishiguro brothers at 86kg and 92kg.

Suda will have big shoes to fill as his Yamanashi Gakuin University teammate Masanosuke ONO (JPN) rose to become the world champ last year. Suda faces an equally tough field with Zavur UGUEV (UWW), Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB), and UDIT (IND) among others.

Takara SUDA (JPN) is the Asian champion at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Uguev, Olympic and 2019 world champion, returned to form by winning the European title in April. He finished fifth last year after losses to Ono and Vitali ARAJAU (USA). Can he now stop Suda, the Ranking Series and Asian champion? Suda has found ways to win but struggles with conditioning.

Abakarov, a former world champion, will also be in the mix, having beaten Uguev in 2023. Other contenders include Asian silver medalist Udit, Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ) -- back at 61kg -- and Jaxen FORREST (USA), who beat Arajau to claim the U.S. team spot.

Sidakov set to return

At 74kg, 2023 world champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (UWW) has managed to recover just in time for the World Championships. He suffered an injury in his European Championships loss to Chermen VALIEV (ALB) and will likely go through the Albanian if he wants to defend his gold.

Also Read: Valiev opens up Olympics, his style

Valiev has had close encounters against Sidakov and the win at Europeans was his first over Sidakov. His strategy to keep a close score or defend a lead may not always play out well. But his defensive skills are top notch, and he doesn't let anyone score easily.

Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) and David CARR (USA) are two youngsters who can surprise a few. Both have lethal attacks and can move quickly. Takahashi won the clash in Budapest but Carr nearly pulled off a comeback against a tiring Takahashi.

World silver medalist Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) would like to return to the podium, while Yones EMAMI (IRI) and veteran Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR) remain strong contenders.

Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ), blue, and Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) wrestled in the 70kg final at 2024 World Championships. Kaipanov won gold. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Top-seeded Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) and world champion Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) will go for the 70kg title. Kaipanov defeated Aoyagi in last year’s final to win gold. Aoyagi seemed in form with a win at the Budapest Ranking Series but will be challenged in Zagreb.

Kaipanov won 74kg gold at the Asian Championships but is now back at 70kg to defend his world title. While Aoyagi is a key challenger, others may break Kaipanov’s defensive wall.

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Former world silver medalist Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) will be the biggest threat as he hunts for his first world title. His attacking style troubles many, though his conditioning is still a work in progress. The field is deeper with Asian champion Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), who entertains with crafty moves, though that can be his undoing.

Viktor RASSADIN (TJK), a Paris Olympian and second to Akmataliev in Asia, is also a medal threat. Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) will be at 70kg. Saiyn KAZYRYK (UWW) can make a run to the final but will be tested on the international level.

PJ DUKE (USA), coming off a world U20 gold, and world medalist Arman ANDREASYAN (ARM), will look to add to their success.

Olympic silver medalist Spencer LEE (USA) is chasing his first world title at 57kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Lee chases world gold

In other weight classes, Spencer LEE (USA) will be looking to win a world medal. A United States wrestler winning the gold medal in the lowest weight category is a rare occurrence. Thomas GILMAN (USA) won gold in 2021 and silver in 2022; however, the country drew a blank in 2023.

Now, Paris Olympic silver medalist Lee is primed to win gold at 57kg in Zagreb. This will be his first World Championships, but he is the favorite to claim the title. It is unlikely he will face much trouble, but if he does, it will likely come from 2023 world bronze medalist Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM) and Paris bronze medalists AMAN (IND) and Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB).

The field is further intensified by Asian champion Chong Song HAN (PRK), European silver medalist Azamat TUSKAEV (SRB), and Iran’s Ali MOMENI (IRI).

At 79kg, Akhmed USMANOV (UWW), world champion in 2023, should have no trouble winning his second title despite familiar foes like Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO) and Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI).

Usmanov defeated both en route to his 2023 gold and has since won the European Championships in 2024 and 2025. In the final in Slovakia, Usmanov overcame veteran Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA).

Khadjiev remains a podium contender but recently suffered a close loss to Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE) in Budapest, making the Greek wrestler a real medal threat. Also not to be counted out is Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), who has consistently been competitive at the World Championships.

New dawn at 86kg
The 86kg category will see a big shift in Zagreb. Since 2017, Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) and David TAYLOR (USA) have shared the gold medals at Worlds. However, that near-decade-long reign is ending. Taylor has retired, and Yazdani has moved up a weight class, skipping this year.

So who will be champion in Zagreb? Two-time world champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI), second to Yazdani at 86kg, will be the favorite. He was competing at 92kg and was close to a third world title before losing heartbreakingly in the semifinals to Sadulaev.

Also Read: "I was destroyed" - Ghasempour on Sadulaev loss

Now back at the Olympic weight class, Ghasempour aims to deliver his best performance in Zagreb. He is unseeded, which means he can be drawn anywhere in the bracket.

The weight class is packed with talent. European silver medalist Mahamedkhabib KADZIMAHAMEDAU (UWW) is thriving at 86kg and nearly won gold at the European Championships. Former world U20 champion Ibragim KADIEV (UWW) is another strong contender despite limited top-level international experience.

Zahid VALENCIA (USA) has improved significantly over the past year and is a potential podium finisher with his attacking pace. Arsenii DZHIOEV (AZE) and Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) are dark horses who could surprise in this competitive field.

Podium All four 2025 European Championships medalist Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE), left, Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), second from left, Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), third from left, and Feyzullah AKTURK (TUR) are medal threats in Zagreb. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Two-time world silver medalists Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) and Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO), European champion Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), Asian champion Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI), and former world silver medalists Batyrbek TSAKULOV (SVK) and Deepak PUNIA (IND) make the 92kg category one of the toughest in Zagreb.

Though he lacks a World Championships medal, Trent HIDLAY (USA) is a top gold-medal contender after winning gold in Budapest. He is currently one of the strongest wrestlers globally.

Firouzpour, moving into the spotlight after Ghasempour’s shift down a weight class, enters Zagreb as a favorite. Though new to Worlds, his Iranian style with underhook pushouts and takedowns makes him a serious threat.

Nurmagomedov and Kurugliev battled at the European Championships and Budapest, with Kurugliev prevailing both times. Maisuradze remains a strong competitor despite a recent dip in form.

At 125kg, Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) stands head and shoulders above the rest, though European champion Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE), Solomon MANASHVILI (GEO), Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL), and Wyatt HENDRICKSON (USA) aim to challenge him.

Vilk vaults into history, becomes Croatia's first world champion

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World Championships 2025 Freestyle Preview