Iran Claims Four Golds as Tajaldinov Withdraws From Bronze Match
Iran’s freestyle wrestling team delivered a dominant performance, collecting four gold medals across the final six weight categories, while the biggest surprise of the day was the withdrawal of Akhmed Tazhudinov from the 97kg bronze medal match after a heavy semifinal defeat.
The star Bahraini wrestler—who reportedly entered the competition with rib and shoulder issues—was unable to continue after losing decisively to Rebazak Aitmukhan of Kazakhstan. His absence from the bronze match raised questions: was this exclusively the result of injury, or a sign of decline after his strong run at 97kg in past seasons? Only time will tell, but his performance in Riyadh was far below expectations.
Four Gold Medals for Iran
Iran’s strong showing included titles from:
Amirali Azarpira (97kg) — who shut out Aitmukhan 5–0 in the final
Younes Emami (74kg) — dominant 5–0 win over Azerbaijan’s Aghanazar Nuruzov
Rahman Amouzad (65kg) — convincing 12–2 victory against Tajikistan’s Abdulmajid Qodiev
Amirhossein Zare (125kg) — a decisive 10–0 win against Bahrain’s Shamil Sharipov
All four wrestlers showed complete technical control in their finals, with Zare’s performance particularly smoother compared to his previous close bout against Sharipov at the Zagreb Worlds.
Ghasempour Takes Another Bronze at 86kg
After losing in the morning session to Azerbaijan’s Arseni Djeyev, Kamran Ghasempour recovered strongly to score an 8–0 victory over Tajikistan’s Magomed Ivoloev and secure the 86kg bronze medal.
This marks Ghasempour’s second consecutive 86kg world-level bronze, following his podium finish at the Zagreb World Championships, where he competed in the senior division at 86kg for the first time.
More Results: Azarpira, Emami, and Zare Shine
Amirali Azarpira (97kg) brought home gold by shutting out Aitmukhan 5–0.
Younes Emami (74kg) delivered another clean performance, defeating Azerbaijan’s Nuruzov 5–0.
Amirhossein Zare (125kg) dominated Shamil Sharipov—who wrestles for Bahrain—by tech fall, 10–0.
Tazhudinov Withdraws After Heavy Defeat
Akhmed Tazhudinov’s 2024 results had already shown signs of inconsistency, allegedly due to ongoing injuries, but his showing in Riyadh was notably below his usual level. He was decisively beaten by Aitmukhan earlier in the day and then elected not to compete in the bronze medal match.
Whether this performance was solely due to injury or part of a broader downturn remains uncertain. What is clear: his form in Riyadh was far from the world championship-caliber standard he had previously demonstrated.
Iran’s Medals From Day 1
The Iranian team also earned two medals the previous day:
Rahman Amouzad — Gold (65kg)
Ali Momeni — Bronze (57kg)
This brings Iran’s total medals across the event to an impressive multi-weight haul.
Full Results: Finals & Bronze Matches
57kg
Final: Abdulmalik Karachov (KGZ) 9–3 Islam Bazarganov (AZE)
Bronze: Ali Momeni (IRI) 11–0 Seydomar Zazay (AFG)
Bronze: Ghulamjon Abdullaev (UZB) 10–0 Mohamed Camara (GIN)
65kg
Final: Rahman Amouzad (IRI) 12–2 Abdulmajid Qodiev (TJK)
Bronze: Bilal Sherip Uulu (KGZ) 10–0 Alibeg Alibegov (BRN)
Bronze: Umidjon Jalolov (UZB) 8–3 Ali Rahimzadeh (AZE)
74kg
Final: Younes Emami (IRI) 5–0 Aghanazar Nuruzov (AZE)
Bronze: Fazli Iriyilmaz (TUR) 3–4 Magomedrasul Aslayev (BRN)
Bronze: Oruzbek Toktomambekov (KGZ) 4–2 Nurkoja Kaipanov (KAZ)
86kg
Final: Khidir Saipudinov (BRN) 1–5 Arseni Djeyev (AZE)
Bronze: Kamran Ghasempour (IRI) 8–0 Magomed Ivoloev (TJK)
Bronze: Osman Gokun (TUR) 10–2 Bekzar Rakhimov (KGZ)
97kg
Final: Amirali Azarpira (IRI) 5–0 Rebazak Aitmukhan (KAZ)
Bronze: Akhmed Tazhudinov (BRN) — did not compete; win awarded to Magomedkhan Magomedov (AZE)
Bronze: Muhammad Gulzar (PAK) — winner; Rifaat Gidak (TUR) withdrew
125kg
Final: Amirhossein Zare (IRI) 10–0 Shamil Sharipov (BRN)
Bronze: Abdelrahman Shaitan (EGY) 0–5 Giorgi Meshvildishvili (AZE)
Bronze: Arslanbek Tordubekov (KGZ) 3–14 Hakan Buyuk Kengil (TUR)