Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
Wrestling in Budapest: Russia Crowns Two Champions, Hungarian medal on Second Day
Change language:
Bekhan Goigereev (60kg) and Khadzhimurat Gatsalov (120) improved Russia’s chances of earning the team gold on Tuesday when the duo came away with a pair of gold medals.
Goigereev used devastating attacks and aggressive moves from par-terre to earn a late fall against Valdimir Dubov of Bulgaria. The Russian had sat behind a line of great wrestlers in Russia, but when he got the chance to compete made the best of his time on the world stage.
“I was fourth, maybe third best Russian wrestler in this weight class in the past, but today I have proved I am the best now,” said Goigereev.
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov made his heavyweight debut on Tuesday, earning Russia’s second gold for the day, and sixth world-level championship.
The now five-time world champion and 2004 Olympic Champion at 96kg, Gatsalov was asked to move up to heavyweight after his 4-0 loss in the semifinals of Russian Nationals to Anzor Boltukaev (Boltukaev placed 3rd at this year’s World Championships).
Cuban Salas Lopez Impresses, Altadov Wins Second Title
Though it wasn’t the gold he was hoping for, Cuban 84kg Reineris Salas Lopez won the silver medal in his best world performance to date. The 26-year-old was a main attraction all day with It was Cuba’s second silver on the week.
Salas Lopez finals opponent, Ibragim Aldatov, won his fifth world medal after earning the 8-1 victory. Altadov was a 2006 World champion at 74kg and silver medalist in 2007. He moved up to 84kg in 2009 to earn world bronze and then silver again in 2011.
Hungarian Vereb Medals, Breaks Finger
Istvan Vereb sent the home crowd crazy after beating 2008 bronze medalist Murad Gaidarov of Belarus, 2-1 for the bronze medal at 84kg. Vereb, who wrestled at the 2008 Olympic Games at 74kg, had won two of his matches by disqualification.
The local hero was buzzing as he chatted with reporters after the match and revealed that he had broken his finger during his bronze medal match.
“I knew (my opponent) does not like to fight when he is behind, he was very nervous” said Vereb. “He broke my finger, but it doesn’t really matter, only the bronze medal matters!”
Lalovic Meets with Hungarian President Janos Ader
FILA President Nenad Lalovic met with Hungarian President Janos Ader to discuss the recent decision by the IOC to reinstate Olympic wrestling. The president stressed that he was pleased with the decision and felt it was difficult to imagine the Olympic Games without wrestling.