Razambek Jamalov and Gulamjon Abdullaev Crowned Champions in Kocaeli!
The Uzbekistan freestyle wrestling team secured a double championship at the international tournament in Turkey. Paris Olympics medalists Razambek Jamalov and Gulamjon Abdullaev left no chance for their opponents in the finals.
Two more of our representatives also made it to the podium. As a result, after two days of competition, the Uzbekistan delegation entered the top three in the overall team standings with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal.
Olympic Heroes on the Podium Once Again
The city of Kocaeli hosted the international tournament dedicated to the memory of Hasan Gemici and Gazanfer Bilge from July 31 to August 2. Athletes from 16 countries competed in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling across 20 weight categories for medals.
Razambek Jamalov and Gulamjon Abdullaev, the main hopes of the Uzbekistan team, once again confirmed their status.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jamalov won gold in the 74 kg weight category, while Abdullaev captured the bronze medal in the 57 kg division.
Gulamjon Abdullaev Defeats Kazakh Opponent
Gulamjon Abdullaev stepped onto the mat in the 61 kg weight class in Kocaeli. Successfully passing the preliminary stages, he faced Kazakhstan's representative Allan Oralbek in the decisive bout for the gold medal.
The Uzbek wrestler maintained his dominance in the final, defeating his opponent to become the tournament champion.
This result is particularly significant for Abdullaev. Although he usually competes in the 57 kg weight class, he also won a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Championships in the 61 kg division.
Razambek Jamalov Overcomes Iranian Wrestler
Representing Uzbekistan in the 74 kg weight class, Razambek Jamalov clashed with Iran's representative Ali Karampour in the final.
The Olympic champion showcased his skill and experience in the decisive bout, defeating his opponent. Thus, he added the second gold medal to the Uzbekistan delegation's tally.
Jamalov also won the championship at the Paris Olympics in the 74 kg weight category by defeating all his opponents. His victory in the exact same weight class in Kocaeli demonstrated that he is in top form ahead of major competitions.
Silver for Yarashev, Bronze for Saidturaev
Two more representatives of Uzbekistan stepped onto the podium.
Competing in the 70 kg division, Shahzodbek Yarashev reached the final. He lost the gold medal match to Moldova's Vasile Diacon, earning the silver medal.
Asadbek Saidturaev, who stepped onto the mat in the 57 kg weight class, claimed the bronze medal.
Uzbekathletes' results:
Wrestler | Weight | Result |
|---|---|---|
Gulamjon Abdullaev | 61 kg | Gold |
Razambek Jamalov | 74 kg | Gold |
Shahzodbek Yarashev | 70 kg | Silver |
Asadbek Saidturaev | 57 kg | Bronze |
How Much Prize Money Did the Wrestlers Receive?
The tournament organizers also set cash prizes for the medalists:
€1,000 for champions;
€750 for silver medalists;
€500 for bronze medal winners.
Accordingly, the total prize money for the four Uzbek wrestlers amounted to €3,250. totalled.
Jamalov and Abdullaev received €1,000 each, Yarashev got €750, and Saidturaev received €500.
Uzbekistan Enters the Top Three
Based on the two-day results provided, the Uzbekistan freestyle wrestling team:
2 golds;
1 silver;
was ranked 3rd in the overall team standings with 1 bronze medal.
Turkey led with 4 golds, 1 silver, and 14 bronzes. The Iranian team took second place with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
It should be taken into account that this team performance is the intermediate standing after two days of the competition.
Olympians Justify Expectations
The most important aspect of the result in Kocaeli is that Uzbekistan's two Olympic medalists reached the finals again and claimed the championship.
The gold medals of Jamalov and Abdullaev, along with the medals of Yarashev and Saidturaev, showed that the national team has strong competition and worthy reserves. Now the main task will be to maintain this form until major world and continental competitions.
Who do you think among the Uzbek wrestlers can be expected to win a gold medal at the next Olympics? Leave your opinion in the comments and share the article with sports fans on Telegram or other social networks!
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