#Yariguin2019

Yarygin Rewind: Bekbulatov Edged Chakaev, Won Fourth Yarygin Title

Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 16:20 By Eric Olanowski

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KRASNOYARSK, Russia (January 10) - The 30th Annual Ivan Yarygin, United World Wrestling’s first Ranking Series event of the year, which is often referred to as the “Toughest Tournament in the World,” returns to Siberia’s central city, Krasnoyarsk, on January 24. 

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be rewinding and taking a look back at some of the biggest storylines from the 29th Annual Ivan Yarygin. 

We kick things off by looking at one of the deepest weight classes of last year's tournament, 65kg. This weight featured an all-Russian gold-medal bout, where Ilias BEKBULATOV edged two-time world bronze medalist, Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS). 

In the finals, Bekbulatov, the 2017 European champion and 2018 European runner-up, commanded the 3-0 lead, scoring an inactivity point and a second-period takedown before giving up a step out and a pair of fleeing the hold points. Bekbulatov ultimately held on to win on criteria, 3-3 and reached the top of the podium at the Ivan Yarygin for the fourth time. 

A Bekbulatov and Chakaev rematch to determine Russia’s world team spot was expected to happen at the 2018 Poland Open, but Bekbulatov unexpectedly pulled out of the tournament, handing Russian National champion Chakaev a trip to Budapest. Chakaev went to Hungary and finished the 2018 World Championships with a bronze medal. 

Russia’s 2017 U23 world champion Nachyn KUULAR and Turkey’s 2018 European bronze medalist Selahattin KILICSALLAYAN finished in third place. 

Cuba’s 2018 world champion (at 61kg) Yowlys BONNE RODRIGUES (CUB), 2018 Asian Games bronze medalist Sirojiddin KHASANOV (UZB), and 2016 world champion Logan STIEBER (USA) were among the participants who failed to medal at this weight. 

The Ivan Yarygin registration closes on January 10 and early unofficial entries are expected to be released within the next week.

Development

Wrestling completes tree-planting initiative in Casablanca

Monday, June 30, 2025 - 11:52 By United World Wrestling Press

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CASABLANCA, Morocco (June 30) --- A tree-planting initiative was organized in Casablanca in partnership with local authorities. This initiative aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the environmental emergency and the role of sport in combating climate change.

“Planting a tree is sowing a promise. Today, we plant for tomorrow, just as we train today for tomorrow’s medals,” said Assad Ouassama a young Moroccan wrestler participating in the camp, with emotion.

An educational session on environmental protection in sport also took place on April 25, continuing eco-responsible momentum.

A Fraternal Atmosphere and a Family Spirit

Beyond the technical and educational aspects, this camp provided many athletes with the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their fellow African counterparts.

“I leave not only stronger, but with lifelong friends. Camps like this strengthen our continental identity and spirit of unity,” emphasized Rahman Sesay ABDUL, a Sierra Leonean coach attending the training camp.

The warm atmosphere and high-quality exchanges confirmed the value of this holistic approach to sports training.

Toward a New Model of Sports Organization in Africa

By combining sporting excellence with educational values and social engagement, United World Wrestling is promoting an innovative model for competitions across the African continent.

“Casablanca 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a turning point. By integrating these educational dimensions, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for wrestling in Africa,” concluded Fouad Meskout, President of UWW Africa.

A Lasting Legacy for Casablanca and Africa

As the African Championships opened in an atmosphere of commitment and unity, the training camp organized by UWW stood out as a model to follow. It demonstrated that athletic performance can -- and should -- be paired with social and environmental consciousness.