Farrokhi and Abdouli Lead Iran’s U23 Greco-Roman Team in Novi Sad

Iran Gears Up for the Final World Event of 2025

As the wrestling calendar nears its close, Iran’s U23 Greco-Roman national team is preparing for the 2025 U23 World Wrestling Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia. Several members of Iran’s senior world team from Zagreb are expected to appear again — bringing both experience and depth to the lineup.

Farrokhi Moves Up in Weight After Senior Gold

Leading the squad is Gholamreza Farrokhi, one of Iran’s standout performers at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Zagreb. Farrokhi captured gold at 82 kg, solidifying his position as one of Iran’s brightest Greco-Roman stars.
For Novi Sad, he’s set to compete one weight class higher, at 87 kg, representing the U23 team with strong medal potential.

Abdouli’s Dual Schedule — Pending Visa Decision

Another notable name in the mix is Alireza Abdouli, who was part of Iran’s senior team in Zagreb and may also compete at the U23 Worlds. His participation depends on travel logistics — Abdouli’s name also appears on the roster for the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

If Ahoura Bouyeri’s visa is approved, Bouyeri will travel to Riyadh, and Abdouli will stay focused on the U23 competition. However, if the visa is denied, Abdouli could step in for the Islamic Games before rejoining the national squad for Novi Sad.

Hedayati Set for Double Duty

Heavyweight Fardin Hedayati is expected to compete in both the Islamic Solidarity Games and the U23 World Championships, taking on a demanding schedule that highlights his endurance and importance to the national program. Hedayati, a proven age-group medalist, is slated to wrestle at 130 kg in both events.

Iran’s Probable U23 Greco-Roman Lineup

WeightWrestlerNotes55 kgArmin ShamsipourConsistent performer in domestic competitions60 kgSajad AbbaspourPromising lightweight talent63 kgJavad AboutalebiStrong technical wrestler67 kgAhmadreza MohsenzadehFormer U20 medalist72 kgIman MohammadiSenior team experience77 kgAlireza AbdouliCompeting pending visa situation82 kgAbolfazl MohammadiYoung prospect with solid Greco background87 kgGholamreza Farrokhi2025 Senior World Champion (82 kg)97 kgHadi SeyediEmerging heavyweight from Iran’s developmental program130 kgFardin HedayatiU20 World Champion and U23 hopeful

This lineup represents one of Iran’s strongest U23 Greco-Roman contingents in recent years — blending proven world-level experience with the hunger of emerging talents.

International Contenders to Watch

The 2025 U23 Worlds won’t be easy. Several notable names from across Europe and beyond are also confirmed or expected to compete in Novi Sad:

  • Denis Mihai (Romania, 55 kg)

  • Vitalie Eriomenko (Moldova, 63 kg)

  • Daniil Agaev (Russia, 67 kg)

  • Alexander Kikiniou (USA, 72 kg)

  • Levente Levai (Hungary, 77 kg)

  • Alperen Berber (Turkey, 87 kg)

With seasoned European veterans and fast-rising prospects in nearly every weight class, Iran’s U23 squad faces one of the toughest fields in recent memory.

Final Outlook

As the last major event of 2025 under United World Wrestling’s calendar, the U23 World Championships in Serbia will serve as both a proving ground and a preview of wrestling’s next generation.
For Iran, it’s a chance to showcase continuity — from senior world champions like Farrokhi to new faces like Shamsipour and Mohammadi — ensuring the country remains a global force in Greco-Roman wrestling for years to come.

Marzieh DARABI