Russian Nationals 2013

Russian Nationals At a Glance

Russian Nationals At a Glance

Jun 11, 2013 by Willie Saylor
Russian Nationals At a Glance
Russian Nationals At a Glance
by Sholinian Vardan


In the world of Freestyle Wrestling, Russian Nationals is one of the most exciting events in our sport. This year the event will be held in Krasnoyarsk from June 14 through the 16, and promises to be perhaps more spectacular than ever. Since the recent news that wrestling is under threat of expulsion from the program of the Olympic Games in 2020, athletes are motivated to go one hundred percent to prove to the IOC  that wrestling is not less vivid and entertaining than the other members of the Olympic family.


55 kg - Without the long times leaders, the young wrestlers will do everything in their power to take a leading place in the team in the new Olympic cycle. The main contenders for medals are: Artem Gebekov, Nariman Israpilov, Artaas Sana and Rasul Mashezov.


60 kg - Perhaps no country in the world has so many strong competitors in the weight category of 60 kg as Russia. This year, the affair promises to be decided not only between Besik Kudukhov and Opan Sat, but also by the numerous number of young athletes who have moved from the category of 55 kg - this is the Olympic champion in 2012 Jamal Otarsultanov and two-time world champion Viktor Lebedev (though Lebedev's transition isn't officially confirmed).

Each of these athletes deserve a place in the national team, and each of them having gone to the World Championships, will be a major contender for a medal. But only one goes. Who? We will see in few days.


66 kg - Like last year, the favorite in the weight category up to 66 kg, is World Championship silver medalist Alan Gogaev. While young Ilyas Bekbulatov, Rasul Murtazaliyev and Soslan Ramonov, too, deserve special attention.


74 kg - Now, perhaps the most interesting question: Can Aynuar Geduev beat Denis Tsargush? Both athletes deserve respect, both deserve a place in the national team and both on at future world championships, want to take revenge on American Jordan Burroughs.


84 kg - In the weight category up to 84 kg, it is expected to be another confrontation between world bronze medalist Albert Saritov and a member of recent Olympics Anzor Urishev.

Although in this category for a long time there was no clear leader, so we expect that some young and still unknown athlete will be able to express himself to the world. By the way in the 84 kg, is expected to appear Olympic champion 2000 Adam Saytiev.


96 kg - Perhaps the most extraordinary weight, and full of surprises, is the weight category up to 96 kg. Two Olympic champions, Shirvani Muradov and Hadjimurad Gatsalov, are not even the favorites for the title!

Among the contenders for the gold medal, are Vladislav Baytsaev, Shamil Akhmedov and Anzor Boltukaev. The favorite, it would seem, is Abdusalam Gadisov, but his unexpected defeat in the Olympic games and at Yarigin’s tournament forced many to begin doubt his superiority. In Russia, Gadisov is incredibly popular and it is possible that pressure impacted his recent results. But let's hope that he would still be able to step over the invisible barrier and reach their his potential.


120 kg - Because of injury, heavyweight leader Bilyal Makhov will be out of action. But it is safe to say that without even without him, this will be a hotly contested category. After all, we should see veteran Kuramagomed Kuramagomedov, the young Magomedgadzhi Nurasulov and explosive Alan Dzampaev.