Iran, Moldova Shine at U23 World Championships, Each Securing Two Gold Medals

Posted : 24 October 2024

On the third day of the U23 World Championships in Tirana, Albania, both Iran and Moldova distinguished themselves by winning two gold medals each. Iran topped the team standings with an impressive 149 points, showcasing their dominance in the competition. Georgia and Armenia followed, finishing second and third, respectively, with 121 and 93 points. This performance highlighted Iran's strength in the sport as they continued to build on their legacy in wrestling.

Iran's Ali Ahmadi Vafa added to his accolades by clinching the U23 world title after previously winning the U20 world championship. Competing against Azerbaijan’s Rashad Mammadov in the finals, Ahmadi Vafa faced a challenging first period, trailing 3-0 at the break. However, he turned the tide in the second period by scoring two turns from the par terre position, ultimately finishing the bout with an 11-3 victory. This win marked his third age-group gold medal and underscored the effective training and preparation he underwent leading up to the championship.

Reflecting on his success, Ahmadi Vafa attributed his performance to rigorous training and a strategic analysis of his opponents, which had helped him recover from previous losses in last year’s championships. His commitment to improving his skills included spending 45 days training with the senior team, which he believes was crucial for his development. He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "I always felt deep inside that I could do it," and he aims to continue working hard to compete for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Moldova's Alexandrin Gutu also shone on this day by defending his U23 world title at 77 kg against Germany’s Samuel Bellscheidt, securing a narrow 3-1 victory. Gutu, who has previously won multiple medals at this level, was determined to excel following a disappointing season where he failed to qualify for the Olympics. He expressed relief and joy at winning, stating, "This championships is very important for me," emphasizing that he needed to prove himself after a tough year.

Additionally, Vitalie Eriomenco from Moldova won the gold medal in the 63 kg category after defeating Japan’s Komei Sawada in a dominant performance. Eriomenco showcased his strength and technique, finishing the match with a score of 10-2, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming previous setbacks in his wrestling career. Both Eriomenco and Gutu celebrated each other's successes, highlighting a strong camaraderie that contributed to their achievements at the championships, further solidifying Moldova's rising prominence in the wrestling arena.

Iran, Moldova Shine at U23 World Championships, Each Securing Two Gold Medals

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