WATCH: Young challengers at 2023 World Championships

Saturday, September 9, 2023 - 19:46 By Vinay Siwach

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 9) — For the pre-Olympic World Championship, most wrestlers try to move into the six Olympic weight classes in their respective styles. The competition to make the national team for these championships is fierce, as a medal can guarantee them a spot on the Olympic team for their country, a dream for most wrestlers.

With close to 1000 wrestlers competing in the 2023 World Championships, a few young stars who can make a name for themselves are also competing. They may not be the favorites to win the gold medal, but there are certain dark horses to upset any of the well-established names.

Among the three styles, a few teenagers have already won World Championship medals and will look to repeat in Belgrade. Others, the dark horses, will have an outside chance to shine on the biggest stage.

Here are nine wrestlers, three from each style, who can enhance their reputation in Belgrade.

Freestyle

AMAN (UWW) (57kg)

In the last four editions of the Asian Championships, the 57kg gold medal has been won by an Indian. Olympic silver medalist Ravi DAHIYA became the first Indian to win it three times when he struck gold in Ulaanbataar in 2022. As he pulled out injured from the 2023 edition, 19-year-old Aman stepped up and won the gold.

It could not have been more fitting, as Aman is a carbon copy of Dahiya with his long limbs helping him attack with ease and a gas tank that destroys wrestlers in the second period. It’s no surprise that the two train at the same stadium in Delhi.

Aman will have to step up once again as he takes his first trip to the World Championship. Now 20, Aman will be in a field with some of the biggest names in the world of wrestling.

The U23 world champion will have returning world champ Zelimkhan ABAKAROV (ALB), 61kg world champ and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), Zane RICHARDS (USA), Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB), 61kg European champion Arsen HARUTYUNYAN (ARM), 57kg European champion Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE), Suleyman ATLI (TUR) among others.

Aman's first senior-level gold came at the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup in 2022, and since then, he has participated in seven tournaments, winning medals in six of them including two golds. The tournaments have given Aman much-needed experience for the big event, where the youngster looks unfazed by the names in the bracket or the stage.

The two-time U17 world bronze medalist will also have his eyes on winning the Paris Olympics quota. Four years ago, Dahiya won a bronze medal to clinch a Tokyo Olympics quota in his first World Championships. Aman would not mind a similar result in his first Worlds.

Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB) (65kg)

The 65 kg weight class in Belgrade will throw many surprises as most wrestlers are evenly matched in skills and temperament. World champion Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) and Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) can certainly be considered the heavy favorites, but it will be ill-advised to completely count out Haji ALIYEV (AZE), Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM), Iszmail MUSZUKAJAEV (HUN), Nicholas LEE (USA), Mikyay NAIM (BUL), Alejandro VALDES (CUB), Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL), Abdulmazhid KUDIEV (TJK), Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR) among others.

One name that is not mentioned in Umidjon JALOLOV (UZB). The 2022 U20 world champion has been taking long strides in recent tournaments, consistently winning medals at the Ranking Series events. Since 2022, Jalolov has managed to win medals in five out of eight competitions.

Jalolov’s is still a work in progress for the senior level, but a few of his results make for a great case. He began his senior career at UWW events at the Yasar Dogu Ranking Series and came home with a bronze medal by beating Tumur Ochir who has since raised his game significantly.

He lost to the Mongolian star 5-1 in Almaty in the third Ranking Series event but wrestled back to win another bronze. He added another bronze in 2023 at the Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series event after losing to Tevanyan. The next two tournaments were the Asian Championships and the Bishkek Ranking Series. Jalolov finished without a medal in both after losing to Tumur Ochir. He, however, closed the gap in each meeting.

Jalolov is an aggressive counterattacker, which Tumur Ochir figured out after their first meeting. Tevanyan matches Jalolov in style. But not many have experienced what Jalolov brings with him, and with nothing to lose in Belgrade, Jalolov can outshine a number of seasoned campaigners.

Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) (92kg)

It’s rare that Japan has a potential medal winner in a heavier weight class. But Arash YOSHIDA (JPN) can change that in Belgrade.

Yoshida, whose only international experience is the Asian Championships in Astana this year, will be seeded sixth at 92kg since he collected 10000 points for winning gold in Astana. He blew hot and cold in Astana, as he won two bouts via technical superiority and two via decision. But never did he look like a 19-year-old out-of-place teenager.

After conquering Asia, Yoshida will have to step up if he wants to lay claim to the 92kg weight class. Both the finalists from last year, Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) and J’den COX (USA), will not be in Belgrade. But both bronze medalists, Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) and Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) are returning. Feyzulla AKTURK (TUR), Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) and Zahid VALENCIA (USA) are some of the hot favorites to reach the final this year.

Yoshida will have to deal with it and get rid of the nerves before the World Championship. He will be wrestling with stars who will have a few in the stands cheering for them. The experience from the Asian Championships and his Iranian style of wrestling can be a big boost for Yoshida, as not many have laid a hand on him.

Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ), who lost to Yoshida in the Asian Championships final, will look to avenge that loss, and that will be Yoshida’s big test—can he continue what he started and give hope to Japan?

Women’s Wrestling

ANTIM (UWW) (53kg)

Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) could well be the young star to watch out for, but who doesn’t know that? Fujinami is actually the favorite to win the gold in Belgrade, as she returns to the World Championship after skipping the last one due to injury. At just 20, Fujinami already has the senior world title, which she won in 2021 in Oslo as a teenager.

Another 20-year-old who can cause a few problems for others in Belgrade is Antim. The two-time U20 world champion has made a name for herself recently as the challenger to VINESH in India while performing on the international stage. Antim’s tactical wrestling led her to win the world titles along with a silver medal at the senior Asian Championships and gold at the Tunis Ranking Series last year.

But her first World Championships can bring a lot of challenges, including wrestling some of the strongest wrestlers out there at 53kg. Apart from Fujinami, Olympic silver medalist Qianyu PANG (CHN), Lucia YEPEZ (ECU), Maria PREVOLARKI (GRE), Iulia LEORDA (MDA), Andreea ANA (ROU), Jonna MALMGREN (SWE), Dominique PARRISH (USA) are some of the stars entered.

Her potential five bouts in Belgrade will test Antim every minute and provide a perfect picture of the challenges senior-level wrestling throws.

Aryna MARTYNAVA (AIN) (55kg)

The non-Olympic weight class has attracted 19 entries, led by former world champions Haruna OKUNO (JPN) and Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA). While there are many others like Karla GODINEZ (CAN), Mariia VYNNYK (UKR), Min ZHANG (CHN), who can stand on the podium, U20 world champion Aryna MARTYNAVA (AIN) will fancy her chances to claim one of the four spots available on the podium.

Martynava made the switch from 59kg to 55kg at the U20 World Championships in Amman, Jordan, this year and won the gold, spending merely three minutes and 35 seconds on the mat in four bouts (24 minutes). All four of her wins were via technical superiority, with the first two finishing in 28 seconds and the final in 21 seconds. It was only the semifinal, which went for 2:18.

Before a silver medal at the 2021 U20 World Championships, Martynava had odd medals at the U17 level. But her return to the mat after two years saw her dominate the competition. She would like to take the form into the World Championships, her first, and cause a few upsets at 55kg.

Milaimys MARIN PORTILLE (CUB) (76kg)

Portille won the Youth Olympic Games in 2018 and announced herself as a young star from Cuba. She went on to win the U20 and U23 World Championships in 2019 to continue her rise. It was only last year that she participated in her first senior World Championships and finished 14th.

As Portille returns to Belgrade for another World Championships, she will hope to put on a better show than the one she did against Anastasiia SHUSTOVA (UKR), losing 11-0. Portille did not look in her element and was struggling to attack or defend.

At 22, Portille has shown glimpses of being a good heavyweight wrestler, but to stand against the best in the world, she will have to raise her level in Belgrade. The likes of Adeline GRAY (USA), Samar HAMZA (EGY), Epp MAE (EST), Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) will not give her a second chance. She, however, can take confidence from the fact that she has wins over Yuka KAGAMI (JPN) and Tatiana RENTERIA (COL).

Greco-Roman

Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) (60kg)

Among all the stars that Azerbaijan has in its Greco-Roman line-up, Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE) may be seen as a youngster with little chance to make it in the 60kg field at the World Championships. But don’t count him out.

The 21-year-old earned his spot at 60kg when Azerbaijan could have experimented with Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE), Taleh MAMMADOV (AZE) and Murad MAMMADOV (AZE). But Mammadli’s selection is the writing on the wall that he is the one in the long run.

Mammadli has wrestled in three tournaments at the senior level this year and medals at all. He won a silver medal at the Zagreb Open to start the season before a bronze medal at the European Championship, and another bronze at the Budapest Ranking Series in July.

His three losses this year have been to Mehdi MOHSEN NEJAD (IRI), Edmond NAZARYAN (BUL) and Omid ARAMI (IRI). The first two wrestlers will be in Belgrade along with Kerem KAMAL (TUR), Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN), Zholoman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ), Victor CIOBANU (MDA) who can make life difficult for Mammadli but provide him the perfect platform to shine against the best.

Daniel SOHRABI (IRI) (72kg)

If not for Olympic champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI), Daniel SOHRABI (IRI) could well have been Iran’s representative at 67kg for the World Championships. But he has to move to 72kg and will be looking to upset a few established stars.

Sohrabi ability to make a comeback after falling behind makes him super lethal against wrestlers who try to hold on to their leads. He also has attacks to score from standing and does not wait for the par terre position.

In 2023, Sohrabi won gold at the third and fourth Ranking Series in Bishkek and Budapest, respectively. In Zagreb, he left without a medal after losing to Olympic champion Luis ORTA (CUB). That was his third loss since the start of 2022, with the other two being the U20 World Championship semifinal loss to Nika BROLADZE (GEO) and Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) in the Greco-Roman World Cup in December.

The World Championship will be another big yet important stop for Sohrabi as he tries to establish himself in the big league. He will have Ulvu GANIZADE (AZE), Ramaz ZOIDZE (GEO), Ibragim MAGOMADOV (KAZ), Ali ARSALAN (SRB), Selcuk CAN (TUR) and other solid wrestlers in the field.

Alexandrin GUTU (MDA) (77kg)

Alexandrin GUTU (MDA) has medals at all the age-group World Championships. But his debut World Championships at the senior level ended in 13th place. After skipping last year’s World Championships, Gutu is back with the aim of earning an Olympic spot for his country in Belgrade.

At 77kg, a weight class that has supremely talented wrestlers, Gutu will have his task cut out for him. The high-flying wrestler has to come up with his best defense from par terre, something that has troubled him in the past. He will have to keep a check on his big moves, as he has a habit of getting countered during such moves.

With Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM), Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE), Iuri LOMADZE (GEO), Zoltan LEVAI (HUN), Mohammadali GERAEI (IRI), Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ), Viktor NEMES (SRB), Yunus BASAR (TUR), Kamal BEY (USA) being some of the names entered, Gutu cannot let his guard down.

#wrestlebishkek

Local stars Makhmudov, Tynybekova among 10 world champs on quest for Asian gold

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - 16:02 By Ken Marantz

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 9) -- They are both defending champions, both world gold medalists and Olympic silver medalists, and together will be competing in front of a partisan Kyrgyz crowd that absolutely adores them.

For local heroes AKZHOL MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) at Greco 77kg and Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) at women's 62kg, the setting for the upcoming Asian Championships in Bishkek could not be more perfect.

But that does not mean it will be easy. Another thing that the two superstars have in common is that a Japanese opponent is waiting in the wings for each, fully determined to avenge a close semifinal loss at last year's World Championships. Makmudov and Tynybekova are among 10 current world champions, including compatriot Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) at Greco 60kg, who will be taking the mat during the six-day tournament at Bishkek Arena that starts on Thursday.

The field has been thinned a bit by the fact that the Asian Olympic Qualifier will be held three days after the tournament ends, but there are still more than enough top competitors to ensure a lively event.

Makmudov, Tynybekova and Sharshenbekov are among 13 returning champions, although a weight class change has put two of them together. Among the baker's dozen, Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) at Greco 130kg and Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) at freestyle 97kg also completed the world-Asian double.

Powerhouse Iran has sent a freestyle contingent with a mixed bag of experience, led by former world champion and defending Asian champion Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) at 65kg, three-time world medalist Mohammad NOKHODI (IRI) at 79kg and reigning world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) at 125kg.

A clash of world champions is possible at 97kg, although Tazhudinov, who established his credentials with one-sided victories over both Kyle SNYDER (USA) and Abdulrashid SADULAEV (AIN) in Belgrade last September, handily defeated 92kg gold medalist Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) in a meeting last month.

In Greco, Mirzazadeh is among four returning champions for Iran, along with Poya DAD MARZ (IRI) at 55kg, Iman MOHAMMADI (IRI) at 63kg and Naser ALIZADEH (IRI) at 87kg. Olympic bronze medalist and three-time world medalist Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) will look to keep the 97kg gold in Iranian hands while adding to his 2020 Asian title.

In women's wrestling, the all-mighty Japanese can be expected to dominate, particularly since four of the six wrestlers who qualified for the Paris Olympics are making the trip to Bishkek, including Tokyo Olympic champion Yui SUSAKI (JPN) and fellow world champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN).

"The Asian Championships will be my last competition before the Paris Olympics," Susaki said in a recent video posted on the Japan federation's Facebook page. "I want to take the mat with the same emotion as at the Olympics, definitely win the gold medal and make a good start heading towards the Olympics."

The tournament will mark the international debut at 68kg of Nonoka OZAKI (JPN), who failed to make the squad to Paris at 62kg, the weight in which she won the world title in 2022. She won the gold at 65kg last year, then made a bold move up to 68kg and won a dramatic playoff for the Olympic spot.

Bishkek will also see the return to the global stage of two-time Olympic champion Risako KINJO (JPN) after she missed out on Paris at 57kg. Kinjo, who is entered at 59kg, last competed internationally at the Tokyo Olympics and has since gotten married and given birth. She won two Olympic, four world and four Asian titles under her maiden name of KAWAI.

The wild card of the tournament will be the presence of wrestlers from the DPR Korea, which has four entries in freestyle, four in Greco and six in the women's competition.

From 2020 and the disruption of the pandemic up to this year, the nation has entered just one international tournament, sending two Greco wrestlers to last October's Asian Games.

While Yong Ok HWANG (PRK) was a senior bronze medalist at women's 50kg in 2019, most of the team members are relative unknowns, with some having won Asian medals on the cadet or junior level in the pre-pandemic years. Other teams will underestimate them at their own peril.

India, which will be competing under its name and flag following the lifting of the suspension of its national federation, is sending a young squad built around two-time champion SARITA (IND) at women's 57kg. There are a number of wrestlers with recent success on the age-group levels, including world U20 champion PRIYA at women's 76kg.

World champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) is making his Asian Championships debut in Bishkek. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Here is a short overview of each weight class:

Freestyle (April 11-12)

57kg: This division is wide open, with Almaz SMANBEKOV (KGZ) the lone returning medalist after adding the silver last year to the bronze he won in 2022. Zanabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL), a world bronze medalist in 2022, will be looking to improve on his Asian silver from 2017. The draw also includes the finalists from last year's Asian U20 tournament, champion UDIT (IND) and runner-up Ebrahim KHARI (IRI).

61kg: The host country's Taiyrbek ZHUMASHBEK UULU (KGZ), the defending champion and a world bronze medalist, and 2022 world silver medalist Reza ATRI (IRI) look like the ones to beat. Atri was the Asian champion at 57kg in 2019 and finished fifth at the Tokyo Olympics. Also worth watching is two-time world U23 bronze medalist Assyl AITAKYN (KAZ).

65kg: Amouzad, who earned Asia's lone spot at the Paris Olympics in this weight class by placing fifth in Belgrade, will be the favorite to win his third title in a row. The 2022 world champion, who placed second at the Zagreb Ranking Series tournament in January, could see a rematch of the 2023 final with Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL), a 2021 world bronze medalist.

The two can expect competition from Ulukbek ZHOLDOSHBEKOV (KGZ), who picked up his fifth senior Asian medal last year when he took bronze. His lone gold came in 2020 at 61kg. Also in the field is two-time Asian bronze medalist Abbos RAKHMONOV (UZB) and Masanosuke ONO (JPN), surprise winner at last month's Yasar Dogu tournament in Antalya, Turkey.

70kg: World bronze medalist Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) heads a field that includes returning bronze medalist and world U23 silver medalist Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN), two-time Asian bronze medalist Meirzhan ASHIROV (KAZ) and 2021 world bronze medalist Alibek OSMONOV (KGZ).

74kg: This Olympic weight is a bit light on name recognition, with two medalists from the past two years at 70kg coming in as the favorites. Syrbaz TALGAT (KAZ) was a bronze medalist in 2022 and the champion in 2021, while Zafarbek OTAKHONOV (UZB) has moved up after his runner-up finish last year. Iran will be represented by Hossein ABOUZARIPASHKOLAEI (IRI), who was second at this year's Zagreb Open, with 2022 world U23 bronze medalist Kota TAKAHASHI (JPN) also in the draw.

79kg: The gold medal is Nokhodi's to lose as the Iranian makes his first Asian appearance since winning a bronze in 2019. The 2023 world bronze medalist, who lost to Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) in the finals at both the 2021 and 2022 worlds, arrives in Bishkek with a victory at the Zagreb Open under his belt.

Looking to upend Nokhodi are Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN) and Byambadorj ENKHBAYAR (MGL), the champion and runner-up, respectively, in Antalya, and 2022 world U20 silver medalist Ryunosuke KAMIYA (JPN).

86kg: Two-time world bronze medalist Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ) will be going for his third straight Asian title and fifth medal overall, and could get a chance to avenge a 4-3 loss at the Asian Games to eventual bronze medalist Javrail SHAPIEV (UZB). Shapiev, who was fifth at the Tokyo Olympics, earned a ticket to Paris by winning the fifth-place playoff in Belgrade.

Looking to knock off those two will be 2022 world U23 champion Tatsuya SHIRAI (JPN), Asian U23 champion Batbilguun NAAMDAMBAT (MGL), and Yasar Dogu winner Hadi VAFAEIPOUR (IRI) -- who has the rare achievement of also being a champion in the Beach Wrestling series, having won at a tournament in Turkey last October.

92kg: Amirhossein FIROUZPOUR (IRI) is back on the Iranian team after a successful run in 2022, when he won the senior Asian and world U23 and U20 golds, and is coming off a victory in Antalya. Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) will be aiming to improve on the bronze he won last year, while Adilet DAVLUMBAYEV (KAZ) will be looking to strike gold after settling for silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.

97kg: Tazhudinov got the best of his fellow world champion Aitmukhan in the semifinals in Antalya, winning by fall after leading 9-3 en route to the title. Tazhudinov has not been defeated since February 2023, when he fell 6-4 to Vladislav BAITCAEV (HUN) in the quarterfinals at the Alexandria Ranking Series tournament. Since then, he has been on a rampage, winning golds in succession at the Asian Championships, Bishkek Ranking Series, World Championships, Asian Games and Yasar Dogu.

It remains to be seen if veteran Mohammadhossein MOHAMMADIAN (IRI) can stop the juggernaut. The 31-year-old won his second Asian title in 2022, seven years after his first and following a blank between 2015 and 2019. Others to watch are returning bronze medalist Makhsud VEYSALOV (UZB) and two-time silver medalist Batzul ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL).

125kg: Zare, a Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, is the prohibitive favorite to triumph in his senior Asian debut, having captured the Asian Games gold in October. The two-time world champion opened the year with a victory at the Zagreb Open. Both bronze medalists from 2023, BUHEERDUN (CHN) and Anirudh KUMAR (IND), are back, as well as 38-year-old Aiaal LAZAREV (KGZ), who will be gunning for his sixth Asian medal dating back to 2010. He won his lone gold in 2015.

Yui SUSAKI (JPN) is returning to the Asian Championships after a gap of seven years. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Women's Wrestling (April 13-14)

50kg: Susaki has still never been defeated by a non-Japanese opponent, and while her ultimate goal is the successful defense of her Olympic title in Paris, she has no intention of letting her guard down in Bishkek. The three-time world champion is riding a 51-match winning streak since losing to compatriot Yuki IRIE (JPN) in a world team playoff in July 2019 -- with 39 of the victories by fall or technical superiority.

Susaki opened the season with a dominant performance at the Zagreb Open, beating one of her main competitors in Bishkek -- world bronze medalist Ziqi FENG (CHN) -- 10-0 in the final. She also faced two other medal contenders last year, world silver medalist Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) and Asian silver medalist Jasmina IMMAEVA (UZB), beating them both by a similar result. In aiming to add to her lone Asian title from 2017, Susaki will need to be wary if she encounters the DPR Korea's Hwang--the reclusive nation's wrestlers have a recent history of tunning big-name Japanese opponents.

53kg: World champion Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) will not be returning for a three-peat after recently suffering a dislocated elbow in practice. That leaves the door wide open in a field with no obvious favorite. Taking Fujinami's place is Nagisa HARADA (JPN), who finished second at the Klippan Lady and seventh at the world U20 in 2023. Other contenders are Otgontuya CHINBOLD (MGL), the silver medalist at 55kg last year; 2018 gold medalist Chun LEI (CHN); and two-time Asian U20 silver medalist Dilshoda MATNAZAROVA (UZB). Ji Hyang KIM (PRK) was the 2019 Asian cadet champion, so it will be interesting to see what she brings to the table.

55kg: Dulguun MUNKHBOLD BOLORMAA (MGL) completed the full set of Asian medals when she won the gold in 2021 (following a silver in 2020 and bronze in 2019). Can she add to the collection and, if so, which color will it be? Looking to prevent it from being gold will be 2022 world U23 and U20 champion Moe KIYOOKA (JPN) -- a teammate of Harada's at Ikuei University -- Asian U23 champion Min ZHANG (CHN), and TAMMANA (IND), the Asian U23 silver medalist at 53kg. Kiyooka will be competing a few days before older brother Kotaro tries to earn an Olympic berth for Japan at freestyle 65kg.

57kg: Three-time reigning world champion Sakurai, a recent Ikuei grad, will be aiming for a second Asian gold as she begins final preparations for her first Olympics, having previously triumphed in 2022. India's Sarita has moved down from 59kg, the division in which she won back-to-back golds in 2020 and 2021 and a bronze in 2022, as well as a world bronze in 2021.

Gantuya ENKHBAT (MGL) has dropped down from 62kg, in which she won world bronze in 2021. Yongxin FENG (CHN) medaled at the Zagreb Open for the second straight year in January, while Hyon Ju PARK (PRK) was the 2019 Asian junior champion.

59kg: Kinjo lost out to Sakurai in a bid to make the Paris Olympics at 57kg, but does not view making Japan's team to Bishkek at 59kg as a consolation prize. She remains a serious competitor and ready to take on all challengers. Her main competition happens to be the reigning world champion, Qi ZHANG (CHN), who also has a pair of Asian bronzes from 2017 and 2019.

62kg: A rematch of the final at the World Championships -- and possibly a preview of Paris -- is a strong possibility between Tynybekova and rising star Sakura MOTOKI (JPN), who moved up from 59kg and snatched the Olympic spot at 62kg from Ozaki and Tokyo champion Yukako KAWAI (JPN). Tynybekova, with the crowd on her side, will be aiming for a sixth Asian gold and 11th medal overall. She also has four world medals, including three golds.

Tynybekova and Motoki have met twice over a recent four-month span--in Belgrade and Zagreb -- with the former winning both by close decisions. Motoki is ready to turn the tide. "The Asian Championships will be held in Kyrgyzstan, and that's the country of my biggest rival Aisuluu, and I will do all I can to beat [her]," Motoki declared in an interview.

The battle for the other medals will likely be between world 65kg bronze medalist LILI (CHN), 2015 world silver medalist and three-time Asian bronze medalist Tserenchimed SUKHEE (MGL) and two-time Asian bronze medalist MANISHA (IND).

65kg: Mahiro YOSHITAKE (JPN), the 2022 world U20 champion, has a golden opportunity to upgrade her 2023 silver to gold as the prohibitive favorite. Yoshitake won the Yasar Dogu title in January with an 11-1 victory in the final over Asian U23 champion Enkhjin TUVSHINJARGAL (MGL), who will likely be one of her main rivals in Bishkek. Also expected to be in the mix are world U20 silver medalist ANTIM (IND) and 2022 world U20 bronze medalist Dilnaz SAZANOVA (KGZ).

68kg: Any doubts about whether Ozaki could handle the extra weight in moving up to 68kg were likely answered when she pulled off a dramatic victory over 2022 world silver medalist Ami ISHII (JPN) in the domestic Olympic playoff. She can expect a battle from the most recent world silver medalist, Delgermaa ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL), who will be looking for her first Asian gold after taking home two bronzes and a silver over the past three years. RADHIKA (IND) has made a similar weight progression as Ozaki, from 2021 world U23 bronze medalist at 62kg to 2022 Asian silver medalist at 65kg.

72kg: After coming away with silver medals at the last two Asian Championships, Sumire NIIKURA (JPN) is well-positioned to capture an elusive gold. A world U20 and U23 bronze medalist in 2022, she gained a boost of confidence by winning the gold in Antalya. Two rivals in Bishkek, 2022 world U20 silver medalist Anastassiya PANASSOVICH (KAZ) and Bolortungalag ZORIGT (MGL), were also in Antalya, but both lost in the quarterfinals and neither faced Niikura. Also expected to be in the medal hunt are 2023 world U20 bronze medalist HARSHITA (IND) and Asian Games 68kg silver medalist Nurzat NURTAEVA (KGZ).

76kg: With world champion Yuka KAGAMI (JPN) also withdrawing due to injury, a rematch of last year's final between defending champion Elmira SYZDYKOVA (KAZ) and world silver medalist Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) could be in the cards. Looking to prevent that will be returning bronze medalist and world U20 champion PRIYA (IND), 2022 world U23 bronze medalist Yasuha MATSUYUKI (JPN) and Yasar Dogu bronze medalist Zagardulam NAIGALSUREN (MGL).

Zholaman SHARSHENBEKOV (KGZ) will look to defend his 60kg title. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Greco-Roman (April 15-16)

55kg: In his quest to repeat as Asian champion, Iran's Dad Marz could encounter the wrestler with whom he shared the podium at the World Championships. Both Dad Marz and Jasurbek ORTIKBOEV (UZB) took bronze medals home from Belgrade, and also have multiple Asian medals to their credit. Dad Marz, the 2022 world U23 champion, is coming off a gold-medal run in Antalya. Ortikboev, a two-time world bronze medalist, was second at the 2020 Asian Championships and third in 2022. Aiming to stop them will be two-time Asian bronze medalist Arjun HALAKURKI (IND), 2023 Zagreb Open champion HUSIYUETU (CHN) and Asian U23 champion Ulan MURATBEK UULU (KGZ).

60kg: Kyrgyzstan's Sharshenbekov has been the dominant figure at this weight for the past two years, monopolizing both the Asian and world titles while also picking up the Asian Games gold. A victory in his home country would give him a fifth Asian medal overall. Who can stop him? Liguo CAO (CHN), an Asian and world bronze medalist last year, will certainly give it a shot. As will Ilkhom BAKHRAMOV (UZB), who will be looking to combine with brother Islomjon at 63kg in a repeat of their golden sibling double of 2019. Also look out for world U20 bronze medalist Amirreza DEHBOZORGI (IRI) and 2021 Asian bronze medalist Seunghak KIM (KOR).

63kg: Iman MOHAMMADI (IRI), the 2022 world U23 and U20 champion, is back to defend the title he won a year ago in Astana. Islomjon BAKHRAMOV (UZB), a 2023 world 60kg bronze medalist, will be looking to regain the title he won in 2019 and earn a fourth Asian medal overall. Others to watch are Asian U23 champion Haodong TAN (CHN), Asian Games bronze medalist Ayata SUZUKI (JPN) and 2018 Asian bronze medalist Dokyung JUNG (KOR).

67kg: With the cream of the weight class heading to the Olympic qualifier, returning bronze medalist Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) has a chance to move up to gold in front of the home crowd. Beishekeev also won the Asian U23 title and an Asian Games bronze medal last year. Hanjae CHUNG (KOR), the silver medalist last year at 60kg, has jumped up two weight classes in a bid for a third career Asian medal. Others to watch are Shermukhammad SHARIBJANOV (UZB), last year's silver medalist at 63kg, 2022 world U20 champion Saeid ESMAELI LEIVESI (IRI) and 2023 world U23 bronze medalist Haruto YABE (JPN).

72kg: This one looks like a toss-up between Adilkhan NURLANBEKOV (KGZ), a bronze medalist the past two years, 2019 world junior bronze medalist Mohammadreza ROSTAMI (IRI) and Asian U20 champion Abdullo ALIEV (UZB).

77kg: Anyone who was in the Kozhomkul Sports Palace in 2018 to see a teenaged Makhmudov win a dramatic gold medal for host Kyrgyzstan on the final day knows how frenzied and passionate the home crowd can get. And Nao KUSAKA (JPN) would love nothing better than to spoil the mood.

Kusaka took Makhmudov to the limit at the World Championships before conceding a 7-5 loss in the semifinals. Kusaka went on to win a bronze medal and clinch his first trip to the Olympics, and avenging the loss to Makhmudov is all part of a grand plan to optimize his chances in Paris.

"I'm looking forward to it," Kusaka said in a video interview. "The opponent who I lost to in the semifinals at the World Championships is also entered. I looked back at the footage of our match and it was filled with places where I thought, 'If I only had done this more.' I'm really excited right now.

"After Asia, I will go the [UWW Ranking Series in] Hungary, because I want to be seeded for the Olympics," said Kusaka, who currently sits fourth in the UWW rankings. "Everyone looks at it differently, but for me, even one less match [at the Olympics] is best. That's because the concentration I can put out for each match is different."

Either Makhmudov and Kusaka could have to contend with a champion from 2023 in Ibragim MAGOMADOV (KAZ), who won the gold at 72kg in Astana. Also worth watching are SAJAN (IND), a 2022 world U23 bronze medalist with Kusaka, and Amir Ali ABDI (IRI), who also won a 2022 world U23 bronze, but at 72kg.

82kg: With just seven entries in the non-Olympic weight, 2o22 Asian champion Rasoul GARMSIRI (IRI) looks like the wrestler to beat as the Iranian comes off a runner-up finish in Antalya. Others to watch are 2022 bronze medalist Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB), 2019 world U23 bronze medalist Yevgeniy POLIVADOV (KAZ) and 2023 world U17 champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN).

97kg: Tokyo Olympic and 2023 world bronze medalist Saravi is the clear favorite in a field that includes Makhmudov's brother Beksultan MAKHMUDOV (KGZ), a bronze medalist in 2021. Saravi has one Asian title to his credit from 2020, as well as an Asian Games gold won last year. Also in medal contention will be 2022 world U20 silver medalist Iussuf MATSIYEV (KAZ).

130kg: It would be tough to bet against world champion Mirzazadeh, who won his second Asian title last year, and also has an Asian Games gold and 2022 world silver medal to his credit. Lingzhe MENG (CHN) will be gunning to avenge losses in the finals to Mirzazadeh at both the Asian Championships and Asian Games. Also in the mix will be 2018 world bronze medalist and two-time Asian silver medalist Minseok KIM (KOR), 2022 Asian U23 champion Erlan MANATBEKOV (KGZ) and 2020 Asian bronze medalist Mansur SHADUKAYEV (KAZ).

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Local stars Makhmudov, Tynybekova among 10 world champs on quest for Asian gold