On September 21, in Minsk (Republic of Belarus) at the Sports Palace the International Freestyle Wrestling Tournament in memory of the three-time Olympic Champion Aleksandr Medved concluded.

As previously announced, the 53rd International Grand Prix Tournament in freestyle wrestling, commemorating the three-time Olympic Champion Aleksandr Medved, was held in Minsk (Republic of Belarus) on September 20-21.

The coaching staff of the national team, led by Aleksei Shemarov, successfully negotiated with the Belarusian Wrestling Federation to ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes were allowed to participate in this prestigious and competitive tournament.

In addition to the hosts, the tournament featured the strongest hearing wrestlers from Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, as well as Deaf athletes — the backbone of our national team. A total of eight Russian champions were present at the tournament this year in their respective weight categories:

1) 57 kg - Makhach Makhmudov

2) 61 kg - Daba Tsyrendorzhiev

3) 65 kg - Denis Goncharov

4) 70 kg - Abudaud Ibragimov

5) 74 kg - Georgy Dzotsiev

6) 92 kg - Magomedzagir Musaev

7) 97 kg - Aleksei Skliar

8) 125 kg - David Khinchagov

Our wrestlers aimed to showcase their skills to the fullest and make a serious statement in these intense battles. Participating in such a high-profile tournament was an invaluable experience for them.

Special mention goes to Georgy Dzotsiev, who competed in the 74 kg weight category and consistently defeated all his opponents on his way to the podium. It was only in the decisive final bout that Georgy lost to Azerbaijani wrestler Dzhabrail Gadzhiev, securing a truly priceless silver medal! Bravo!

Two other Deaf wrestlers — Makhach Makhmudov (67 kg) and Magomedzagir Musaev (92 kg) — made it through the selection process and had a chance to fight for bronze. Nevertheless, they all are heroes of this event.

The tournament was as an important stage in the preparation of the national team for the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Congratulations to our athletes and coaches!

Text: Nurlan Tazhigulov

Photo: Tournament organisers

Translation: Daria Kudelina