From Tough Losses to a Big Comeback: Amirmohammad Yazdani Defeats Emami in Isfahan

After a difficult stretch last year, Amirmohammad Yazdani returned to competition at the Takhti Cup with focus and fire. He had previously suffered a tough loss to Russian legend Zaurbek Sidakov during the Padubny League, and was also defeated by Sina Khalili—one of Iran’s rising stars—during the final of the Premier League at 70 kg.

Now moving up to the Olympic weight of 74 kg, Yazdani came to Isfahan to prove he’s not just adjusting, but ready to contend. A two-time World silver medalist at 65 and 70 kg, he showed that he’s bringing the same level of skill and determination to his new weight class.

At the Takhti Cup, he began by defeating his Afghan opponent 7–3. In a dramatic quarterfinal against fellow Mazandarani wrestler Hossein Aboozari, Yazdani trailed early but pulled off a series of brilliant counterattacks to win 9–9 on criteria.

In the semifinal, he beat Amirhossein Shami and then delivered a statement win in the final by defeating Younes Emami 7–4 — denying Emami the national team spot.

According to Iran’s national selection policy, if Younes Emami had won the Takhti Cup, he would have secured his place at the 2025 World Championships in Zagreb. But with Yazdani now the Takhti Cup champion, the final decision will come down to a wrestle-off or possible simultaneous entry into an upcoming international tournament.