#WrestleZagreb

WATCH: Chasing Greco 87kg Gold at World C'ships

By United World Wrestling Press

ZAGREB, Croatia (December 4) -- If there was one weight class in Greco-Roman at the World Championships in Zagreb which was extremely unpredictable, it was 87kg.

Olympic silver medalist Alireza MOHAMDI (IRI) was leading a pack of wrestlers who had medals at the World Championships, both senior and age-group, continental championships and even at the Olympics.

WATCH FULL DOCUMENTARY HERE

Paris bronze medalist Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) was primed to win the gold as well after a good start to the season. Then there was European champion David LOSONCZI (HUN).

Former European champion Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB) was expected to be on the podium. Other names included age-group world champs in Asan ZHANYSOV (KGZ), Exacue MUKUBU (NOR), Vigen NAZARYAN (ARM), Marcel STERKENBURG (NED) and Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) among others.

As the day progressed in Zagreb, a few of those names fell apart and it was Komarov, Mohmadi, Losonczi and Milad ALIRZAEV (UWW) who reached the semifinals before Komarov and Mohmadi clashed for the gold medal.

Mohmadi, a silver medalist at 82kg from 2023, was leading the final but Komarov made a solid comeback and clinched the gold medal, 4-3, becoming the second male wrestler to win gold medals at all World Championships.

2026 World Championships

Astana Announced as Replacement Host for 2026 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- Astana, Kazakhstan will host the 2026 World Championships from October 24 to November 1.

United World Wrestling Bureau met on Friday and after careful consideration of the current geopolitical situation, particularly the ongoing uncertainty and impact on international travel, it decided to change the host for the 2026 World Championships.

Manama, Bahrain was scheduled to host the World Championships as it was awarded the tournament in Zagreb last year. UWW and Bahrain released a joint statement on Friday, announcing the postponement of the same.

After successful site visits and inspections, the Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation was chosen as a replacement host and Barys Arena was selected as the venue.

World Championships 2026

The announcement marks the return of the World Championships to Astana, a city which successfully hosted the 2019 World Championships. Close to 1000 wrestlers participated in 2019 edition, making it one of the most attended tournaments.

As seen in 2019, full attendance is expected at the the Barys Arena for the nine-day event.

UWW remains committed to assisting National Federations and the schedule for the 2026 World Championships in Astana will be communicated soon. For details of events, visit uww.org/events.