Wrestling elite shine in Armenia: a memorable end to the 37th WMC Wrestling
YEREVAN (ARM) - The 37th World Military Wrestling Championship in Yerevan, Armenia, came to a remarkable close, celebrating a week of extraordinary performances, camaraderie, and cultural exchange. Athletes from around the world delivered exceptional performances, and the final day highlighted the fierce competition and skill that defines military wrestling at its highest level. The event, widely covered by the media, brought global attention to this unique showcase of sportsmanship and unity.
In the Men’s Freestyle 92kg category, Askhab Saadulayev of Russia secured the gold medal with a commanding performance, while Belarusian wrestler Yaraslau Iadkouski earned silver. The bronze medals went to Iran’s Fathkhani Javad and Armenia’s Mushegh Mkrtchyan, delighting the home crowd. In the Men’s Freestyle 97kg event, Kazakhstan’s Kamil Kurugliyev claimed the top spot, with Iran’s Shariati Nia Danial taking silver. Sergey Kozyrev of Russia and Mongolia’s Ganbaatar Ghankhung rounded off the podium with bronze medals.
The Men’s Freestyle 125kg category saw Mongolia’s Enkhtuvshin Batmangnai triumph with an impressive display, earning the gold medal. Mohammadi Morteza Jan of Iran captured silver, while the bronze medals were awarded to Adil Misirci of Turkey and Russia’s Alan Khugayev. In the final team rankings for Men’s Freestyle, Russia emerged victorious with 165 points, followed by Iran with 136 points and Mongolia with 131 points.
The Men’s Greco-Roman events were equally compelling. Vaag Margarian of Russia dominated the 87kg category to win gold, with Iran’s Esmaeili Jamal taking silver. Turkey’s Ali Cengiz and Armenia’s Karen Khachatryan secured the bronze medals. Hungary’s Szoke Alex delivered an exceptional performance to win gold in the 97kg category, while Russia’s Magomed Murtazaliev claimed silver. Turkey’s Muhitan Sorlaicek and Colombia’s Bravo Valencia Cristian David earned bronze medals. In the 130kg event, Kazakhstan’s Alimkhan Sydzykov earned the gold medal, with Iran’s Kalantari Mahdi taking silver. The bronze medal in this category was awarded to Russia’s Marat Kamparov. The Men’s Greco-Roman team rankings saw Russia finish first with 175 points, followed by Iran with 161 points and Armenia with 157 points.
Women’s Wrestling added another layer of excitement to the championship. Romania’s Kateryna Zelenykh emerged victorious in the 65kg category, taking the gold medal. Sienna Ramires of the United States earned silver, while Italy’s Laura Godino claimed bronze. In the 68kg category, North Korea’s Gum Pak Sol captured gold, with France’s Kendra Dacher taking silver and India’s Priyanka Priyanka earning bronze.
France’s Pauline Lecarpentier secured gold in the 72kg event, followed by Mongolia’s Purvee Nomin Erdene with silver and Belarus’s Hanna Maslakova with bronze. In the 76kg category, Reetika Reetika of India stood at the top of the podium with gold, while Tristan Kelly of the United States took silver. Mongolia’s Enkhmar Davaansan completed the podium with bronze. In the Women’s Wrestling team rankings, Mongolia claimed the top position with 142 points, with the United States and North Korea finishing second and third, respectively.
The championship concluded with a spectacular Closing Ceremony that celebrated the athletes' achievements and the unity of the participating nations. The CISM Gala Dinner was a fitting tribute to the spirit of the competition. Participants also enjoyed a cultural day, visiting the iconic Ararat Brandy Company and the historic Garni Temple, leaving them with unforgettable memories of Armenia’s rich heritage.
CISM extends its gratitude to the Armenian Armed Forces for their impeccable organization of this prestigious event. The CISM community now looks forward to the next chapter in the CISM calendar, the 24th World Military Equestrian Championship, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 25 to December 1, 2024.
Watch the last day of competition here:
The 37th CISM World Military Wrestling Championship has been a showcase of extraordinary talent and sportsmanship, with high-level performances from our military athletes. Stay tuned for the grand finale!
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department – Pictures: Armenian Armed Forces)
