#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

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