Apparently, the fighters from Russia at the World Cup in Croatia were not very happy: the leader of the national team of Abdulrashid Sadulaev was not allowed into the country, other participants in the national team created difficulties at the airport. But all these dirty tricks did not prevent the tournament from starting brilliantly. The Olympic champion Tokyo-2020 Zaur Uguev rolled along the rivals on the way to the final, and then confidently won the main battle.

Keep your elbows, spitens! Russian wrestlers have the first gold!

Inhospitable Croatia

On September 13, in Croatia, the World War Championship started, to which Russian athletes went in a neutral status, and even not in the strongest composition. Two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev misses the tournament due to visa problems. To some fighters, from among those who still reached Zagreb, the customs service arranged problems at the airport. The head of the Russian wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili, shameful for the receiving side, described the situation only as a “scotive attitude”.

Not too hospitable atmosphere did not stop taking the medal already at the start of the tournament, and immediately gold. The Russian wrestler-Water Zaur Uguev at the Olympics in Tokyo won a gold medal in weight up to 57 kg. To the tournament in Croatia, a 30-year-old athlete decided to rise to the category of up to 61 kg, in which he had already managed to get comfortable. In April, the athlete won the European Championship, in June – took the gold of the Russian championship. It remained to confirm superiority at the World Cup.

On the way to the final, Uguev confidently passed rivals from Armenia (11: 0), Kazakhstan (13: 2) and the USA (10: 3). And the fact that the prize -winners of the European and World championship, as well as the current winner of the Pan American Games, were going to the carpet, did not prevent the fighter from demonstrating superiority. The medal has already been guaranteed to finish the world championship with gold to cope with the representative of Iran Ahmad Mohamadanezhavan – the winner of the Asian Championship and the World Cup among military personnel.

“Real Leader”

The first two minutes of the final battle passed with active actions, but without assessments. Then the Iranian was punished for passivity, and Uguev led to the equator of the fight with a score of 3: 0. After the break, Iranian tried to intercept the initiative, but did not succeed. Uguev dragged his opponent into the ground, where he scored four more points.

Zaur Uguev / Photo: © Kadir Caliskan – United World Wrestling / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

It remained a little more than 30 seconds, when the Iranian was able to score the first points, but this did not help him a lot. Zaur was dodged, and in the end he was able to still increase the gap, completing the final with a victory with a score of 11: 2. At the same time, Uguev did not demonstrate special emotions and looked rather not happy, but simply tired. But everyone around the coaches to the leadership of the Federation rejoiced for a three -time world champion.

– Honestly, I have a great joy for this guy who really lives a struggle, does everything for this. His attitude at that second when the winner’s hand rises … I think the Almighty rewarded him for his work, his attitude and for everything that he means for the national team. A fundamental person with position, character. The real leader of the team. I treat him with tremendous respect for his great work and his victory, with which he pleases us, ”said Mamiashvili, President of the Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) Match TV.

The champion himself devoted the victory to Sadulaev.

– Six years have passed since I won the World Cup in Kazakhstan, and today is a very happy day for me. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the coaching staff of the Russian national team, my personal coach and all involved in this gold medal. And I want to devote the victory to the captain of our team Abdulrashid Sadulaev – unfortunately, he did not receive a Schengen visa and could not compete here, although he tuned in to this world championship, as at the Olympics. “Perseum”, trained, plowed the most. I am convinced that Rashid is still motivated, and he will definitely achieve his goal, ”said Uguev, who is quoted by the Press -Service of the FSBR.

The World War II Championship is held in Croatia from September 13 to 21. On live, competitions are broadcast on the TV channels “Match TV” and “Match! Fighter ”, as well as on sites Sportbox.ru and Matchtv.ru.