#WrestleOslo: Sadulaev Maintains Dominance Over Snyder to Grab 5th World Title

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 19:01 By Ken Marantz

OSLO, Norway (October 5) -- With a second victory in two months, Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) has turned the sport's most high-profile rivalry into an increasingly predictable one-sided affair. (Sadulaev vs Snyder All Photos)

Sadulaev was never in danger in rolling to a 6-0 victory over Kyle SNYDER (USA) in the freestyle 97kg final at the World Championships in Oslo on Tuesday night, a win that also propelled the Russian Wrestling Federation to the team title over the United States.

In the fourth edition of the series dubbed "Snyderlaev," Sadulaev looked even more invincible than he did when he notched a 6-3 victory over Snyder in the final at the Tokyo Olympics in August.

"The matches against Snyder are always tough, at the Olympics it was really tough and today I got pretty worn out," Sadulaev said.

Sadulaev, in capturing a fifth career world title, has now won his last three encounters with Snyder since losing their first clash at the 2017 World Championships in Paris. That remains the most recent defeat for the wrestler nicknamed "The Russian Tank."

"I don’t know yet how it feels," Sadulaev said. "I have just won it. I really wanted to win because five-time world champion sounds better than four-time world champion, that’s why many years of hard work have paid off, thank God I’ve got another gold medal."

Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) celebrates with the Russian Wrestling Federation contingent. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

In Tuesday's match, neither wrestler was willing to risk going on the offensive and the first period ended with no shots and Sadulaev up 1-0 after receiving an activity point.

Soon after receiving a second activity point in the second period, Sadulaev scored the first technical points with a takedown off a duck under, which he followed with a gut wrench that further displayed his exceptional power.

For Snyder, a world champion in 2015 and 2017, it gives him a fifth world medal to go with his two Olympic prizes.

The two, born six months apart, both won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a 19-year-old Snyder at 97kg and a 20-year-old Sadulaev at 86kg. They became linked in history when Sadulaev moved up to 97kg the following year.

With a combined seven world and Olympic golds, Sadulaev remains on pace to match at the 2024 Paris Olympics the all-time freestyle record of 10 set by Soviet legend Aleksandr MEDVED.

Sadulaev Snyder Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) blanked Kyle SNYDER (USA) in the 97kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

For the third time in their careers, the team title was also on the line in the clash between Sadulaev and Snyder in the final. The two teams were tied going into the match after the Russian federation got a bronze medal at 70kg earlier in the night.

Sadulaev's win gave the Russian Wrestling Federation the title with 173 points, followed by the United States with 168. Iran was third at 162. All three countries had three gold medalists each.

In other action on Day 4 at Jordal Amfi arena, history was destined to be made for one country in the 70kg final, and it became Poland's with a victory by Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL).

Magomedmurad GHADZIEV Magomedomurad GHADZHIEV (POL) become the first freestyle champion from Poland. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

The Russian-born Gadzhiev become Poland's first-ever world freestyle champion when he scored a stepout with 1:16 left and held on for a 2-1 victory over Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) -- who was looking to become his country's first-ever male world champion.

"I am really glad for myself, for my coach, for all the coaches who supported me in Poland, in Europe, in Russia," Gadzhiev said. "I feel like I have fulfilled my duty. I planned that match to go in a little different way, but now only the result matters."

Akmataliev, who lost a close 3-3 decision in the first round at 65kg at the Tokyo Olympics to Bajrang PUNIA (IND), had been ahead 1-1 on criteria after getting the second activity point of the match.

With the victory, Gadzhiev, who placed seventh at the Tokyo Olympics at 65kg, completed the world medal set, adding to his silver from 2017 and bronze in 2019. He is a two-time European champion and six-time medalist.

"I am 33 years old, I’ve been to world championships many times, I got gold silver and bronze medals, I’ve been to the Olympics two times," Gadzhiev said. "Now I am finally the world champion. I glad I made my dream come true. It was my dream of my dad as well, unfortunately he is not alive anymore."

Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) claimed her second consecutive World title at 62kg. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

In the women's finals, Aisululu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) successfully defended her 62kg title, relying on her defense to stifle 2019 world U23 silver medalist Kayla MIRACLE (USA) 7-0 in the 62kg final.

Limited to an activity point in the first period, Tynybekova got a 2-point exposure on a counter to a Miracle single, plus a point for an unsuccessful challenge of the call, to go ahead 4-0. She added a stepout, then a takedown in the final seconds.

Tynybekova did not have to contend with nemesis Yukako KAWAI (JPN), who beat her in the final at the Tokyo Olympics and, like all of Japan's medalists, did not make the trip to Oslo.

Tynybekova Worlds Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) won the 62kg title after beating Kayla MIRACLE. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

But that's not to say that Tynybekova had it much easier. In the first round, she fell behind 4-0 against two-time world cadet champion Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) before rallying to a 6-4 win. She also had a close call in the quarterfinals.

"Today's final match was easier than any other match during this championships," Tynybekova said. "Yesterday, all the three matches were really tough, I can say I could barely win them in the last seconds.

"I wrestled the American girl at the international tournament in Italy and I know the way she wrestles. We figured out her technique together with the coach and I just followed everything he told me."

In the end, winning is all that counts for the woman who became the first wrestling world champion in her country's history, male or female. She was also one of two wrestlers who became Kyrgyzstan's first-ever female Olympic medalists in any sport at the Tokyo Games.

"As soon as I stepped out of the mat, my coach praised me," Tynybekova said. "It's most important for me to make my coach glad. I think all the people from Kyrgyzstan are glad as well. Talking about being a two-time world champion, I can say that I proved it to myself that I could make it. Of course, it makes me happy. Especially after losing at the Olympics, I could prepare well and win. It means a lot to me."

At 55kg, 2016 world cadet champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) started what Japan hopes will be a gold rush with her most dominant victory of the tournament, a 10-0 technical fall over two-time European bronze medalist Nina HEMMER (GER).

Sakurai Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) won her debut senior World title in Oslo. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

"There were wrestlers who appeared in the Olympics and have had good results, and I was able to compete against them and beat them," the soft-spoken Sakurai said of winning at her first senior World Championships. "It gives me confidence."

Sakurai, whose limited international experience includes a victory at the 2020 Klippan Lady, jumped out to a 4-0 lead with a nifty ankle lift that sent Hemmer to her back, which she then followed with a 2-point lace lock.

Using a 2-on-1 arm hold, Sakurai ripped off a pair of takedowns to finish the match in 2:08 and relegate Hemmer to a silver medal -- nothing to scoff at, she had never finished higher than eighth in five previous World Championships.

"First of all, I'm very thankful that this tournament was held," Sakurai said. "I was nervous, but I just thought to do the same wrestling that I always do, and I felt that I did that."

Regarding being Japan's first gold medalist, she said, "I was the first, but the women just started and we have some in the finals already. Japan women's wrestling is strong and we always take gold medals at the championships, so I prepared with the aim of winning a gold medal."

The 20-year-old Sakurai has already made history of sorts in Japan. By winning the title at the All-Japan Championships last December, one of the qualifiers for Oslo, she became the first-ever national champion from Ikuei University, which was founded in 2018.

Now she is the school's first world champion as well. "There are many people who supported me and many who trained with me and taught me, so I am blessed with a good environment," she said. "That's why I could do well here."

Evgenii ZHERBAEV (RWF) won a bronze medal at 70kg. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

In the bronze-medal matches, Evgenii ZHERBAEV (RWF), making his first-ever appearance at a major championship at age 31, came away with a bronze at 70kg by grinding out a 6-0 victory over Arman ANDREASYAN (ARM).

Zherbaev, who has never even won a national title, scored all of his points in the first period to deny Andreasyan, a bronze medalist this year at both the European senior and U23 tournaments.

The other match at 70kg ended with a confusing flurry, and when the dust cleared and a replay confirmed a challenge, former world champion Zurabi IAKOBISHVILI (GEO) had a 4-3 victory over two-time world junior bronze medalist Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE).

With the Georgian holding a 2-1 lead in the final seconds, Bayramov cross-faced him for an exposure, but, as the replay showed, Iakobishvili leaned back and forced Bayramov to his back for 2 of his own at the buzzer.

It gave Iakobishvili his third world medal, adding to the gold he won in 2017 and bronze in 2018.

At 97kg, 2020 Asian champion and two-time world U23 gold medalist Mojtaba GOLEIJ (IRI) overwhelmed Batzul ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) with a 10-0 technical fall in 4:16.

Mahamed ZAKARIIEV (UKR), nursing a one-point lead late against Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR), unleashed a 4-counter lift with :17 left en route to a 9-3 victory for the other bronze medal at the 97kg category.. It gave Zakariiev his first-ever major medal on any level.

In the women's matches, European junior champion Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) won a 10-8 shootout at 55kg with the continental senior champion Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RWF).

Khomenets went up 6-4 in the first period with 4-point throw, and that gave her the lead on criteria when Khoroshavtseva came back to tie it at 8-8. With the Russian pressing for a winning score, Khomenets came away with a takedown with :05 left to take the bronze.

Jenna BURKERT (USA) secured an elusive medal, scoring a takedown and two stepouts in a solid 5-2 victory over 2020 Asian champion PINKI (IND) in the other 55kg match.

Burkert, a member of the U.S. military, had won just one match in three previous trips to the World Championships. To get to Oslo, she had to win out in an intense best-of-3 battle at the U.S. team trials with 2019 world champion Jaccara WINCHESTER (USA).

At 62kg, two-time world cadet champion Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) capped her international senior debut with a 12-0 technical fall over 2019 world bronze medalist Ilona PROKOPEVNIUK (UKR).

As she did in her first-round loss to Tynybekova, the 18-year-old Ozaki took a 4-0 lead with a pair of first-period takedowns. But instead of squadering the chance, as she did in falling 6-4 to Tynybekova, Ozaki had a pair of 4-point moves on double-leg takedowns to the back to finish off the Ukrainian.

In the other match, 2018 world U23 bronze medalist Gantuya ENKHBAT (MGL) survived a late surge by Lais NUNES DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) to notch a 7-6 victory.

Nunes de Oliveira, looking for her first medal in seven trips to the World Championships, had a four-point takedown to assure she would have the criteria advantage. But after scoring two stepouts in the last 30 seconds to cut the lead to one, Enkhbat avoided giving up another one to take the bronze.

Podium 97kg The four medalists of the 97kg weight class in Oslo, Norway. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Day 4 Results

Freestyle

70kg (26 entries)
GOLD: Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) df. Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ), 2-1

BRONZE: Evgenii ZHERBAEV (RWF) df. Arman ANDREASYAN (ARM), 6-0
BRONZE: Zurabi IAKOBISHVILI (GEO) df. Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE), 4-3

97kg (22 entries)
GOLD: Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) df. Kyle SNYDER (USA), 6-0

BRONZE: Mahamed ZAKARIIEV (UKR) df. Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR), 9-3
BRONZE: Mojtaba GOLEIJ (IRI) df. Batzul ULZIISAIKHAN (MGL) by TF, 10-0, 4:16

Women's Wrestling

50kg (20 entries)
Semifinal: Sara HILDEBRANDT (USA) df. Nadezhda SOKOLOVA (RWF) by TF, 12-1, 5:43
Semifinal: Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) df. Emilia VUC (ROU) by TF, 11-0, 3:50

53kg (17 entries)
Semifinal: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) df. Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL) by TF, 10-0, 3:04
Semifinal: Iulia LEORDA (MDA) df. Khrystyna BEREZA (UKR) by Fall, 5:45 (6-10)

55kg (14 entries)
GOLD: Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) df. Nina HEMMER (GER) by TF, 10-0, 2:08

BRONZE: Oleksandra KHOMENETS (UKR) df. Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RWF), 10-8
BRONZE: Jenna BURKERT (USA) df. Pinki PINKI (IND), 5-2

62kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) df. Kayla MIRACLE (USA), 7-0

BRONZE: Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) df. Ilona PROKOPEVNIUK (UKR) by TF, 12-0, 5:15
BRONZE: Gantuya ENKHBAT (MGL) df. Lais NUNES DE OLIVEIRA (BRA), 7-6

65kg (19 entries)
Semifinal: Irina RINGACI (MDA) df. Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) by Fall, 2:42 (4-8)
Semifinal: Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) df. Forrest MOLINARI (USA), 6-2

76kg (18 entries)
Semifinal: Adeline GRAY (USA) df. Samar HAMZA (EGY) by Fall, 3:59 (11-1)
Semifinal: Epp MAEE (EST) df. Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ), 3-3

#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