Five Wrestlers Secure Spots on Iran’s World Team Following Takhti Cup

The 2025 Takhti Cup concluded over the past two days in Isfahan, with key absences and standout performances shaping Iran’s freestyle wrestling world team lineup.

While Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani opted out of this year’s trials to focus on recovery and a stronger comeback, fellow world champion Kamran Ghasempour also withdrew due to a reported COVID-19 infection. Sina Khalili pulled out at the last minute, citing a shoulder injury. Earlier announcements had confirmed that Mohammad Nokhodi and Amirali Azarpira would not participate due to knee surgeries.

Despite the absences, the tournament delivered decisive results. The following wrestlers claimed gold at the Takhti Cup:

  • 57 kg: Ali Momeni (Iran)

  • 61 kg: Bekzat Almaz Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)

  • 65 kg: Jaskaran Singh (India)

  • 70 kg: Dalgat Abdulkadirov (Russia)

  • 74 kg: Amirmohammad Yazdani (Iran)

  • 79 kg: Fariborz Babaei (Iran)

  • 86 kg: Abolfazl Rahmani (Iran)

  • 92 kg: Mohammad Mobin Azimi (Iran)

  • 97 kg: Ahmad Bazri (Iran)

  • 125 kg: Amirhossein Zare (Iran)

Prior to the tournament, Iran’s national team staff had already confirmed three wrestlers for the 2025 World Championships: Ahmad Javan (61 kg), Rahman Amouzad (65 kg), and Amirhossein Firoozpour (92 kg). According to the federation’s announced selection process, Ali Momeni (57 kg) and Amirhossein Zare (125 kg) have now officially joined the world team following their victories at the Takhti Cup.

Elham Heidari