Why Gatsalov and Sargush Aren’t Tedeev?

Russia’s wrestling team delivered an underwhelming performance at the 2025 World Championships, earning only one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal — a result far from their historic standards. Analysts argue that beyond recent suspensions and restrictions, the absence of former head coach Dzambulat Tedeev is becoming increasingly evident.

After a conflict with Mikhail Mamiashvili, Tedeev stepped down, first being replaced by Khadzhimurat Gatsalov, and later by Denis Sargush following Gatsalov’s suspension. Yet, according to Aslanbek Badaev, Vice President of the ACA League, neither has managed to replicate Tedeev’s unique impact.

In his recent interview, Badaev explained:
“Dzambulat Tedeev can be evaluated in many ways, but everyone agrees he was a real man. He deeply cared for the wrestlers, often spending his own money on their clothing and nutrition. This built trust and made the athletes feel they were part of something bigger.”

Badaev added:
“I’ve seen both Gatsalov and Sargush at work, and while they care about the team, each expresses it differently. Tedeev, however, fought for his athletes. When a wrestler was exhausted, he would start a tactical discussion to give them a moment to recover. Sometimes he pushed with authority. A head coach isn’t just a trainer — he’s a manager. Gatsalov and Sargush still lack that managerial experience, but Tedeev had it.”

Russia’s disappointing results at the 2025 World Championships highlight the importance of a charismatic and managerial leader like Dzambulat Tedeev — someone who could unify the team beyond technical training and inspire them to fight as one.