#Yariguin2019

Yarygin Rewind: Bekbulatov Edged Chakaev, Won Fourth Yarygin Title

By Eric Olanowski

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

Focus on Learning: Armenia Hosts Courses for Freestyle Coaches and Referees

By United World Wrestling Press

YEREVAN, Armenia (April 24) -- Other the past few years, Armenia has conducted multiple coaching and referee courses.

Last year, it held a course specifically designed for Greco-Roman coaches. This year, Armenia organized the same course but with an emphasis on Freestyle. The coaching course was conducted from April 10 to 14 in Yerevan.

In addition to the coaching course, a Referee Foundations course was conducted from April 14 to 17. Both courses were conducted in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity, Armenia NOC, and United World Wrestling.

The Level 2 coaching course was led by Yusup ABDUSALAMOV and was attended by 37 participants. The course focused on performance analysis, developing training plans, risk management, athlete well-being, and athlete safeguarding. The coaches participated in theoretical and practical sessions that helped provided a better understanding of the concepts.

"The participants demonstrated a positive attitude and engagement throughout the course. They showed a willingness to learn and apply new coaching methodologies, which is a good indicator of future development potential. Abdusalamov said. 

"We highly appreciate the organization and delivery of the UWW Level 2 coaching course in Armenia. The program introduced modern coaching approaches and provided valuable knowledge for our coaches." Arayik BAGHDADYAN, Secretary General of Armenia Wrestling Federation, said.

Armenia

Following the U20 National Championships, the Level 2 Referee Foundations course was led by Igor LIGAY. This course was attended by 25 participants which included national and international referees, coaches and the head Greco-Roman coach from Armenia.

This course covered various topics that included the updated UWW rules, evaluating actions, referee positioning, and coordination of the refereeing team. The participants learned through interactive sessions and practical on-the-mat experience.

"This seminar had a significant impact on my athletic development. As an athlete who participates in international competitions, I found the technical details and practical approaches presented to be especially valuable, as they can be directly applied on the mat," Srbuhi HOVAKIMYAN, who participated in the coaching course, said.