#WrestleOslo: Maroulis Regains World Title as Japan Goes 1 for 3 in WW Finals

Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 21:10 By Ken Marantz

OSLO, Norway (October 8) -- Although Helen MAROULIS (USA) was unable to repeat as an Olympic gold medalist this year, she did manage to regain the title of world champion. And with a typical display of her raw power.

Maroulis manhandled Anshu MALIK (IND) for a fall in the 57kg final for her third career world title and first since 2017 as the women's competition at the World Championships in Oslo finished up Thursday night.

"Feels incredible, there's nothing like holding the flag and representing your country," Maroulis said. "One of the things about being better is that you don't get thrown around. I got thrown in the semifinal for four, but I don't mind starting things a bit slow."

Japan, which sent a young team completely devoid of Olympians, went 1 for 3 in the other finals at the Jordal Amfi arena, with Masako FURUICHI (JPN) earning a rare distinction by taking the 72kg title.

The other newly minted world champions were Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) at 59kg and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) at 68kg, neither of whom were daunted in the least by facing a Japanese opponent.

Japan, which had already clinched the team title before the night started, easily finished on top with 196 points, having won medals in nine of the 10 weight classes including four golds.

Maroulis' gold was the second for the United States, which finished second with 147 points. Mongolia got two bronze medals on the final day to edge Ukraine for third place, 78-73. India was fifth with 67.

Maroulis first made a global name for herself when she defeated the legendary Saori YOSHIDA (JPN) for the 53kg gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the Tokyo Olympics in August, she had to settle for the bronze following a semifinal loss to Risako KAWAI (JPN), who was among the four Japanese gold medalists who did not make the trip to Oslo.

Instead, Maroulis faced and defeated formidable 2019 world junior and U23 champion Sae NANJO (JPN) in the semifinals, setting up the with Malik, who had already made history by becoming India's first-ever female world finalist.

But India was left waiting for its first female world champion. After a first period limited to an activity point for Malik, Maroulis started the second period with an arm drag for a takedown, then muscled Malik over with a powerful chicken wing and arm bar to secure the fall at 3:59.

Malik would later have her arm in a sling during the medal ceremony.

Helen MAROULIS (USA) pinned Anshu MALIK (IND) to win the 57kg gold. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Maroulis said she was inspired to use the arm bar after seeing others put it to good use earlier in the tournament, including freestyle champion Thomas GILMAN (USA) and silver medalist David TAYLOR (USA).

"I was like, why don't I ever do that?" Maroulis said. "I spend so much time on my leg lace. Let me just go for the bar. I think I got it twice this tournament so it's a good move."

Maroulis revealed that she recently contracted Covid-19, which led to some uncertainty about her level of preparation.

"I got Covid exactly 13 days ago so I missed the camp, and didn't even come to Norway," Maroulis said. "I was not even allowed to leave the U.S. until my 10 days quarantine. I left on the [October] 3rd and haven't even been on the mat.

"I had no idea what to expect, hoping for the best. Just being able to compete, put a tournament and matches together, I am just very proud of that."

Maroulis, who took time off due to injuries and personal matters after failing to medal at the 2018 World Championships, said the two-month turnaround after the Tokyo Olympics did not pose a problem.

"I was so excited to do the world championships because for me, I was like, we put in all the hard work, why the heck would we take a break and be out of shape?" Maroulis said. "I missed the last two or three years. I feel fresh so I wanted to be on top of that and just keep wrestling."

Masako FURUICHI (JPN) denied Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) history and won the 72kg title in Oslo. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Furuichi, the only member of the Japan women's contingent with previous experience at a senior World Championships, became the nation's second wrestler to complete a "world grand slam" by adding the senior gold to her titles at the cadet, junior and U23 levels.

Furuichi, a 2019 world bronze medalist, stepped up to the top of podium with a 3-0 victory in the 72kg final over three-time Asian medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ).

"She is an opponent I faced a number of times as a cadet, so I think we know each other well," Furuichi said. "But I wanted to win so that's why I won."

Furuichi scored early in the first period with a single-leg takedown off a counter, then added a stepout for a 3-0 lead at the break. Both wrestlers mutually defended well in the second period, and that's how it ended.

Masako FURUICHI (JPN) celebrates after winning the 72kg title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Asked what she regarded as the key to her victory, she replied simply, "Because I definitely wanted to become a world champion."

The 24-year-old Furuichi had previously made her mark on the age-group levels. She is the only wrestler to win three world titles on both the cadet (2011-13) and junior (2014-2017) levels, and added the U23 gold at 68kg in 2019.

By picking up the senior gold, Furuichi joins compatriot Haruna OKUNO (JPN) as the only wrestlers with titles on all four levels. The feat remains rare for the moment due to the fact that the world U23 only started in 2017.

Furuichi, a product of the JOC Elite Academy that produced Olympic champions Yui SUSAKI (JPN) and Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) among others, tried unsuccessfully to make Japan's team to the Tokyo Olympics at both 68kg and 76kg.

"After Tokyo is Paris, and I will work to raise my level heading to that," Furuichi said, adding, "I'll think about it from now," when asked which weight class she will make her challenge.

In the 68kg final, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Zhumanazarova joined compatriot Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) as a world champion with a victory by fall over unheralded Rin MIYAJI (JPN), who was unable to follow up on the biggest upset of the tournament.

"I don’t know how it feels," Zhumanazarova said. "But I am really happy to win."

Zhumanazarova got in on a low single and, while bending Miyaji's knee outward, locked onto an arm and rolled her through to her back. Despite Miyaji's knee being in an obviously painful position, the referee allowed the match to continue and called the fall at 2:11.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) pinning Rin MIYAJI (JPN) in the 68kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

A concerned Zhumanazarova helped Miyaji limp off the mat before taking a victory lap with the Kyrgyz flag.

The previous day in the semifinals, Miyaji pulled a global shocker with a 21-second fall of defending champion and Tokyo Olympic gold Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA).

It was an amazing triumph for a wrestler whose most noteworthy international accomplishment to date was a silver medal at the 2019 Asian junior championships, where she lost 8-6 to Zhumanazarova in their only previous meeting.

Zhumanazarova had been unable to be in Nursultan for the 2019 World Championships when Tynybekova became Kyrgyzstan's first female world gold medalist -- a triumph Tynybekova repeated on Wednesday.

The two went into the history books together in Tokyo by becoming the nation's first female Olympic medalists in any sport.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) after winning the 68kg title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

"Aisuluu is a leader of our team, we take her as an example," Zhumanazarova said. "In 2019, I didn’t participate at the worlds because I was injured. Aisuluu won her first world title that time. At that moment I was really happy."

As for what her accomplishments in the past two months mean, she replied, "Nothing changes for me, I just keep training."

Dudova Biyana DUDOVA (BUL) won her first-ever world title. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

In the 59kg final, Dudova, who won her fourth European title this year, added the world gold with a well-executed 6-4 victory over 2019 world 57kg junior world champion Akie HANAI (JPN).

"Japan is one of the best and this is not a secret," Dudova said. "But I was not training for this championships now but for many years. Ten years. It's not important if it's Japan, China or America. I wrestle for the gold medal till the last second."

While the Japanese women were the aggressors throughout the tournament, it was Dudova who came out firing against Hanai, whipping her down with a 4-point throw off a 2-and-1 hold.

"This is the world final and we can't take too much risk," Dudova said of the bold move. "And I told my coach before the match as a joke that I will try this technique, and I did it."

Dudova Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) scored via a counter lift. (Photo: UWW / Marin Gabor)

Dudova gained 2 more off a counter lift, from which Hanai rolled through for 2 of her own to cut the lead to 6-2.

In the second period, Dudova fended off everything Hanai threw at her, only conceding a takedown with :10 left to improve on the silver medal she won at the 2018 worlds in Budapest.

"Yesterday [Wednesday] I was saying, 'I will be champion tomorrow [Thursday],'" Dudova said. "Three years back I lost in the world championships final 3-3 to China [Rong NINGNING]. But I said I will be world champion, I will work hard and realize this dream."

For the 24-year-old Dudova, winning in Oslo has special meaning. She said she spent her youth in Norway, where she first started wrestling and even won a national title.

"I began wrestling in Norway when I was 10 and I practiced here only," she said. "I won the Norway championships as a kid. Now I am back here and won my world gold, so it's good. Norway is good for me."

Tamyra Mensah Stock Olympic champion Tamyara MENSAH STOCK (USA) won a bronze medal at 68kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

In the bronze-medal matches, Mensah Stock bounced back from her stunning semifinal loss to assure she would not be leaving Oslo empty-handed, storming to a 10-1 win over European bronze medalist Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE) at 68kg.

After giving up an early stepout, Mensah Stock chalked up five takedowns off a mix of attacks and counters to overwhelm Hanzlickova, who was aiming to become just the second Czech Republic woman to win a world medal -- the only other was won in 1994.

"It's really been tough since the Olympics and I really did not have the time to live in the moment, enjoy the fruits of my labor," said Mensah Stock, who also won a world bronze in 2018.

"From having Covid, to hurting my back, or to even come here and do anything. I am proud of myself. It was not like a terrible loss but it's still heartbreaking. I was able to come back."

Tokyo Olympian Khanum VELIEVA (RWF), the 2020 European champion and runner-up this year, emerged victorious in a defensive battle in the other 68kg match, holding on to edge Olivia DI BACCO (CAN) 2-1.

Velieva received an activity point in the first period, then scored with a stepout in the second. Di Bacco, the 2017 Pan Am champ, gained a stepout with :25 left, but Valieva fought off a final takedown attempt to clinch the win.

At 57kg, Nanjo came away with a bronze in her senior world debut when she finally got through the defense of European 59kg silver medalist Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RWF) to chalk up a 7-2 victory.

Trailing 3-1 in the second period, Nanjo connected on single-leg takedown, then turned Chumikova with a turk-ride for a 2-point exposure. A 2-point penalty was tacked on when the RWF wrestler pushed on her face.

It was the latest disappointment for Chukimova, who had won the Tokyo Olympic qualifying spot for Russian Wrestling Federation, only to be passed over for Valeria KOBLOVA, who herself ended up with a loss in a bronze-medal match in Tokyo.

Davaachimeg ERKHEMBAYAR (MGL) put on a furious comeback, then fought off her own back to take the other 57kg bronze with a thrilling 11-8 victory over 2020 European silver medalist Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR).

Erkhembayar, the 2020 Asian silver medalist and two-time bronze medalist, trailed 6-2 when she reeled off seven straight points. But in scoring a 2-point exposure to go up 9-6, Erkhembayar suddenly found herself on her back after Vynnyk stepped over and clamped down.

But Erkhembayar fought out of the predicament and added a counter takedown at the buzzer. Mongolia got its second bronze of the night from Shoovdor BAATARJAV (MGL), who won the third straight of her career by rallying to a 4-3 victory over 2017 world junior champion Maya NELSON (USA) at 59kg.

Baatarajav was down 0-3 in the second period when she scored a pair of creative takedowns, spinning behind off a counter and then shucking off a 2-on-1 and getting behind. But it wasn't over until it was over, as the match ended with Nelson latched onto the Mongolian's leg before running out of time to finish the move.

The other 59kg bronze went to two-time Asian champion Sarita MOR (IND), who rode an early 4-point move to an 8-2 win over 2020 European 57kg bronze medalist Sara LINDBORG (SWE).

Mongolia's bid for a third bronze medal on the night came up short when 2019 world 68kg bronze medalist Anna SCHELL (GER) ended a tough battle at 72kg with Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) by pancaking her for a fall at 4:29.

Schell, who finished eighth at 68kg at the Tokyo Olympics, trailed 4-2 when she cut the lead with a stepout, then flattened Enkh Amar for the victory.

The other 72kg bronze went to 2018 world bronze medalist Buse TOSUN (TUR) by injury default over Cynthia VESCAN (FRA).

The tournament continues with Greco-Roman action on Day 7, with 60kg, 97kg and 130kg getting started in the day session and the medal matches at night at 55kg, 72kg, 77kg and 82kg.

Japan Japan won the women's wrestling team title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Day 6 Results

Women's Wrestling

57kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Helen MAROULIS (USA) df. Anshu MALIK (IND) by Fall, 3:59 (4-1)

BRONZE: Sae NANJO (JPN) df. Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RWF), 7-2
BRONZE: Davaachimeg ERKHEMBAYAR (MGL) df. Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR), 11-8

59kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) df. Akie HANAI (JPN), 6-4

BRONZE: Shoovdor BAATARJAV (MGL) df. Maya NELSON (USA), 4-3
BRONZE: Sarita MOR (IND) df. Sara LINDBORG (SWE), 8-2

68kg (15 entries)
GOLD: Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) df. Rin MIYAJI (JPN) by Fall, 2:11 (4-0)

BRONZE: Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) df. Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE), 10-1
BRONZE: Khanum VELIEVA (RWF) df. Olivia DI BACCO (CAN), 2-1

72kg (14 entries)
GOLD: Masako FURUICHI (JPN) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), 3-0

BRONZE: Buse TOSUN (TUR) df. Cynthia VESCAN (FRA) by Inj. Def.
BRONZE: Anna SCHELL (GER) df. Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) by Fall, 4:29 (7-4)

Greco-Roman

55kg (16 entries)
Semifinal: Emin SEFERSHAEV (RWF) df. Norayr HAKHOYAN (ARM), 3-2
Semifinal: Ken MATSUI (JPN) df. Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) by Fall, 3:55 (10-1)

72kg (27 entries)
Semifinal: Sergei KUTUZOV (RWF) df. Cengiz ARSLAN (TUR) by TF, 10-0, 1:47
Semifinal: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df. Mohammad MOKHTARI (IRI), 10-6

77kg (31 entries)
Semifinal: Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) df. Tsimur BERDYIEU (BLR), 5-4
Semifinal: Roman VLASOV (RWF) df Tamas LEVAI (HUN), 7-0

82kg (27 entries)
Semifinal: Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) df. Adlan AKIEV (RWF), 2-1
Semifinal: Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) df. Pejman POSHTAM (IRI), 5-2

#wrestlebishkek

Vinesh makes successful drop to 50kg, earns shot at 3rd Olympics

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 17:33 By Ken Marantz

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 20) -- Two-time Olympian VINESH (IND) took the best remaining path available to her to the Paris Olympics and did her best impression of the storming of the Bastille.

Vinesh dropped down to 50kg for the first time since 2018 and rolled to three consecutive technical falls, the last over Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ), to secure one of India's three tickets to Paris in women's wrestling at the Asian Olympic Qualifier on Saturday in Bishkek.

"It was difficult," said Vinesh, a two-time world bronze medalist at 53kg who will be looking to make up for past disappointments at the 2016 Rio and 2021 Tokyo Olympics. "But when you win, everything becomes worth it. I will say that I will be at peace for four to five days, but my main target is the Olympics. I will try to do what I couldn’t do in the last two Olympics. I can do better at this Olympics."

It was also a good night for China and the DPR Korea, which secured three Paris berths each, as well as Uzbekistan, which earned the first-ever Olympic quota in women's wrestling in its history. Host Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia captured one each as the teams did not have to contend with the powerful Japanese, who had already gained spots in all six weight classes.

"Competition is competition," the 29-year-old Vinesh said. "It is not that only if China and Japan are competing alongside you that it becomes a competition. Everyone becomes strong on the mat."

Combined with the quotas won at the World Championships last year in Belgrade, China and India have four each, and Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and DPR Korea have three apiece.

Two medalists from Tokyo, 53kg silver medalist Qianyu PANG (CHN) and 68kg bronze medalist Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), were among the victors, as those who came up short will have a final chance at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul on May 9-12.

Vinesh PHOGAT (IND) VINESH (IND) controls Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ) in their 53kg Paris Olympic qualification bout. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Vinesh, long one of the top wrestlers in the world at 53kg, put principles ahead of personal gain when she skipped the Indian trials for last year's World Championships to join in protests against the nation's wrestling federation, which had been suspended by the UWW (since lifted) for failing to address harassment allegations against a top official.

In her place, ANTIM (IND) won the bronze medal at 53kg to earn one of the five Paris quotas in the weight class. For Vinesh to ensure a trip to a third Olympics, she needed to either go up to 57kg or drop to 50kg. She briefly considered the former before opting for the latter. In her last appearance at 50kg, she won the 2018 Asian Games gold, then made the jump up to 53kg.

"I did the weight switch because I didn’t have any option, not out of happiness," said Vinesh, who underwent surgery last August on her left knee. "But I won a quota for my country in the 50kg category. I am happy that I can go to the Olympics. Whether I go in the 50kg category or in the 53kg category, that will be decided in the trials but whatever it is, I won a quota for my country."

Her accomplishments are remarkable and put her among the greats in the sport -- in addition to world bronzes from 2019 and 2022, she has seven Asian medals, including a gold from 2021. All that is missing is a medal from the Olympics, where she has experienced much pain, both physical and emotional.

In 2016, she left the mat in Rio on a stretcher after suffering a broken knee in the quarterfinals against Sun YANAN (CHN). At Tokyo, she was ranked No. 1 but was ousted in the quarterfinals by Vanessa KALADZINSKAYA (AIN). "My body is not broken, but truly I am," she told the Indian Express of her mental fatigue.

Vinesh competed sparingly after that, winning the gold at the Commonwealth Games and bronze at the World Championships in 2022.

"It’s taken so much hard work and struggle," Vinesh said. "I have been away from the mat for 1 1/2 years. I have come back after an operation. Many people have suggested that I should not go in the 50kg category because I could get re-injured.

"But I did not have any option. It was a do-or-die situation. I chose the die option."

On Sunday, she looked like she had never been away from the mat. Against Ganikyzy, who was making her senior international debut, Vinesh opened the scoring with a 2-point counter lift while on the activity clock, then added a double-leg takedown for a 4-0 lead at the break.

In the second period, Vinesh spun behind on a takedown attempt, then reeled off a pair of gut wrenches to end the match at 4:18.

Looking ahead to Paris, Vinesh knows what she needs to do to be prepared and avoid the pitfalls of the previous Olympics.

"Firstly, I will have to manage my weight a lot better," she said. "I have brought myself down to 50kg after so long so I will try and maintain this as much as I can. It’s not easy for me not to put on weight because my muscle mass is very high. Because of that, I gain weight easily. It doesn’t matter how fit I am, I still gain weight because I have a lot of muscle mass. I just want to control my weight. I have four months left, and every day is very important.

"I just want to try my best. It's been 20 years since I've been wrestling. I just want an Olympic medal. Everyone is working for that."

Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) celebrates after making history by becoming the first woman from Uzbekistan to clinch a spot in the Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Historic win for Uzbekistan

In the preceding 50kg bout, Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) made history by becoming the first woman from Uzbekistan to clinch a spot in the Olympics when she hung on desperately for a 4-2 victory over Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE). Keunimjaeva said she knew she was on the precipice of history going into the match.

"I knew that and I tried hard to achieve it," she said. "We’ve been training hard for three years now, we never had an Olympic spot and we wanted it so much. We worked so hard together with the coaches, together with the whole wrestling federation of Uzbekistan."

Keunimjaeva took a 3-0 lead with a single-leg takedown while Hsieh was on the activity clock. But her late shot for another was countered, and Hsieh slipped behind for 2 with five seconds left in the first period.

Keunimjaeva, who took a timeout for treatment on her knee, kept shooting in the second period, and although she could not finish one off, she ate away at the clock. In the final seconds, Keumjaeva clung onto Hsieh's toes for dear life to keep her from getting behind on a counter.

A challenge was unsuccessful, and Keunimjaeva reversed their meeting at the 2021 Asian Olympic Qualifier at 53kg which was won 16-8 by Hsieh, although neither wrestler ended up qualifying.

Like Vinesh, Keunimjaeva had moved down from 53kg and found success at the lower weight.

"I used to wrestle at 53kg," she said. "However, I wanted to compete at this Olympics so much, so I went down to 50kg. I know that this weight class is very competitive. There are many good wrestlers: the world and Olympic champion from Japan, there is a very strong Mongolian wrestler, also a Chinese one. I think they are the toughest opponents."

Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) and Qianyu PANG (CHN) qualified the DPR Korea and China for the Paris Olympics at 53kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

The DPR Korea will be back in the Olympics for the first time since 2016, having opted not to participate in the qualifying for the Tokyo Games. The country returned to the post-pandemic international stage for the first time in four years at last October's Asian Games in China, and its three victors on Saturday had all won medals there.

Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) got the ball rolling at 53kg with a 4-0 victory over ageless Zhuldyz ESHIMOVA (KAZ), an eight-time Asian medalist dating back to 2007 who was attempting to qualify for her third Olympics and first since 2016.

Choe, an Asian Games bronze medalist, gained an activity point in the first period, then scored a stepout in the second period while she was on the clock. She clinched the victory with a single-leg takedown.

In the other bout at 53kg, China's Pang cruised to a 10-0 victory over Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) to deny Uzbekistan a second berth on its historic night.

Pang, the Zagreb Open champion and Asian Games silver medalist, forced her way behind for an opening takedown, then got a 2-point tilt and a pair of gut wrenches for an 8-0 lead. In the second period, Pang eluded a single-leg attempt and spun behind for the clinching takedown.

"I feel like my performance was much better than in previous tournaments," Pang said. "My goal never changed, I still want to be an Olympic champion. I still need to work hard enough. Every step is difficult, and I hope I can improve step by step."

Asked about the 53kg division, topped by current world champion Akari FUJINAMI (JPN), Pang replied, "They [opponents] are very good, but I think the charm of competitive sports lies in this -- no matter how good they are, you still have a chance to win. I must believe that I can succeed."

Kexin HONG (CHN) pins In Sun JONG (PRK) to win at 57kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Pang's compatriot and fellow Zagreb Open champion Kexin HONG (CHN) followed by securing a Paris ticket at 57kg, but she needed a miracle victory over In Sun JONG (PRK) which also avenged a loss at the Asian Games. Hong managed to not only come back from an eight-point deficit to tie the match, but she secured a fall.

Jong opened the match with a single-leg takedown, then put on a fine display of counter wrestling with back-to-back counter-lifts to make it 6-0, then added another to take an 8-0 lead into the break.

But when Jong shot right off the whistle in the second period, Hong got behind for a takedown and added a lace-lock roll to cut the gap to 8-4. Hong then worked out of a deep single for a takedown, flipped Jong onto her back and secured the fall at 4:36, getting payback for a 4-2 loss to Hong in the Asian Games semifinals.

ANSHU (IND) confirmed a Paris Olympic quota for India at 57kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Tokyo Olympian ANSHU (IND), the 2021 world silver medalist at 57kg, earned a likely trip back to the Olympics with an 11-0 rout of Laylokhon SOBIROVA (UZB).

The three-time Asian medalist gained an opening takedown and added a pair of gut wrenches for a quick 6-0 lead. After that, she spun behind for a takedown, and just barely gained a 2-point tilt at the edge to end the match. An unsuccessful challenge of the exposure added the final point.

Anshu downplayed the fact that she was in the opposite bracket from Jong and Hong. "It feels great to have qualified for the Olympics," she said. "How the brackets are is not in my hands. My mindset was only that I have to qualify irrespective of who my opponent is. My bouts were good. If the wrestlers from China and the DPR Korea were on my side, I would have gone with the same mindset that I have to qualify."

Anshu prepared for the competition by traveling to Japan, where she trained with Fujinami and the rest of the team at the powerful Nippon Sports Science University.

"I did benefit by training there [with Fujinami at NSSU]," Anshu said. "I worked a lot on the mistakes I was making. There is always a mindset about Japanese wrestlers about how to wrestle them or tackle them. So if you are training with the top wrestlers and legends there and competing well, then you get a lot of confidence for your competitions."

Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL), right, and Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK) after winning the 62kg quotas for Mongolia and the DPR Korea. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

At 62kg, former world champion Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) proved too much for unheralded Hanbit LEE (KOR), scoring a fall to earn a ticket to the Olympics for the first time since 2016.

Purevdorj, who won her lone Asian gold in Bishkek in 2018, used a single for a takedown, then applied an arm bar and plied her opponent over for the fall in 1:56.

Asian Games champion Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK) captured the other 62kg ticket by scraping out a 6-0 victory over 2022 world bronze medalist MANSI (IND).

Mun used a 2-on-1 arm drag for a takedown and a 2-0 first-period lead. In the second period, she got creative in countering a single-leg attempt, spinning over the back and getting behind before clinching the win with a spin-behind takedown.

Mun had advanced to the qualifying match with an impressive win over Tokyo Olympian Jia LONG (CHN), the 2023 Asian gold medalist at 65kg, taking a 4-0 lead before sending Long to her back with a headlock and winning by fall.

At the Asian Games, Mun famously defeated 2022 world champion Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) in the final to establish her credentials after placing fifth at the 2019 Asian Championships.

Both the 68kg and 76kg divisions had just seven entries, meaning the wrestlers were split into round-robin groups and some had to get through three matches before the final.

Sol Gum PAK (PRK) stopped this last-ditch attempt from Feng ZHOU (CHN) to win at 68kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

At 68kg, Sol Gum PAK (PRK) gave the DPR Korea its third win in four matches with a thrilling 7-4 victory over three-time Asian Games champion and two-time Olympian Feng ZHOU (CHN).

Pak, who needed to beat Zhumanazarova in her final round-robin group match to pip NISHA (IND) for second place, opened with a takedown, but the lanky Zhou came back with a counter lift from a front body lock to lead 2-2 on criteria at the break.

In the second period, Pak went ahead with a single-leg takedown from an underhook. As the clock was ticking down, Zhou secured a front headlock and tried to muscle Pak over. Pak stopped the throw long enough to get a 2-point exposure before Zhou completed the roll, putting Pak up 6-4. An unsuccessful challenge upheld Pak's exposure.

Zhumanazarova, the 2021 world champion who is somewhat overshadowed by the exploits of popular compatriots Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) and Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ), lived up to the expectations of the home crowd, scoring five quick points late in the final seconds of the first period and easing to a 7-2 win over two-time Asian medalist Nabira ESENBAEVA (UZB).

REETIKA (IND) gave India its third Paris 2024 quota with an untroubled 7-0 victory over Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 76kg, world U23 champion REETIKA (IND) gave India its third win of the night with an untroubled 7-0 victory over Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE).

Reetika scored a pair of takedowns by spinning to the side off a front headlock, then added a stepout for a 5-0 lead. She used the same tactic to add another takedown in the second period, then kept Chang at bay to run out the clock in her fourth match of the day.

Asian Games bronze medalist Juan WANG (CHN) became the third Chinese winner with a 6-1 victory over Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), the losing finalist at the Asian Games where both lost to Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ).

Wang went ahead 1-1 on criteria with an activity point in the second period, then put the match away in the final seconds when she got behind Bakbergenova in the standing position, and fell backwards to roll her over her for 4. An unsuccessful challenge added the final point.

Paris 2024 Qualification Matches

Women's Wrestling

50kg
Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB) df. Meng Hsuan HSIEH (TPE), 4-2
VINESH (IND) df. Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ) by TF, 10-0, 4:18

53kg
Qianyu PANG (CHN) df. Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) by TF, 10-0, 4:03
Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) df. Zhuldyz ESHIMOVA (KAZ), 4-0

57kg
Kexin HONG (CHN) df. In Sun JONG (PRK) by Fall, 4:35 (8-6)
ANSHU (IND) df. Laylokhon SOBIROVA (UZB) by TF, 11-0, 2:48

62kg
Orkhon PUREVDORJ (MGL) df. Hanbit LEE (KOR) by Fall, 1:56 (4-0)
Hyon Gyong MUN (PRK) df. MANSI (IND), 6-0

68kg
Sol Gum PAK (PRK) df. Feng ZHOU (CHN), 7-4
Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) df. Nabira ESENBAEVA (UZB), 7-2

76kg
REETIKA (IND) df. Hui Tsz CHANG (TPE), 7-0
Juan WANG (CHN) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), 6-1

#WrestleOslo: Maroulis Regains World Title as Japan Goes 1 for 3 in WW Finals

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Vinesh makes successful drop to 50kg, earns shot at 3rd Olympics