Iran GR coach Rangraz expecting ‘at least two medals’ in Paris
Iranian Greco-Roman wrestling head coach Hassan Rangraz says it will be “fair to expect” his men grab at least two medals in the Paris Olympics.
Iran became the first country to complete a full set of six Greco-Roman wrestling quotas for the Games when Amin Kavianinejad (77kg) and Alireza Mohmadi (87kg) secured the remaining two slots in April’s Asian qualifiers in Bishkek.
The duo will be joined by reigning world champion Amin Mirzazadeh (130kg), Mohammad-Hadi Saravi (97kg), Mahdi Mohsennejad (60kg), and Saeid Esmaeili (67kg) in representing the country in the French capital’s Grand Palais Éphémère from August 5 to 8.
“I truly believe all six members of the team deserve to finish on the podium in Paris. The competition, however, will take place at such a high level and it is really going to be tough to win a medal there,” Rangraz said, adding: “Let’s not forget that the Iranians have won an average two medals over the past three Olympics, though the London 2012 [where Iran won a remarkable three golds] was a one-off occasion and the figure was even lower prior to that year.”
“That is why I think it fair to expect the team grab at least two medals in Paris,” added the 2001 world champion, who took over from Mohammad Bana following the 2022 World Championships.
Asked who are the Iranian hopefuls for Olympic glory, Rangraz said: “Mirzazadeh and Saravi will probably have the biggest chance for a medal and I hope it will be the most colorful one.”
Unlucky to leave Tokyo with an Olympic medal three years ago, Mirzazadeh stunned Turkish great Rıza Kayaalp to the world title last year to add to his world silver in 2022.
Still, legendary Cuban Mijaín López – chasing a fifth successive Olympic gold – remains the ultimate favorite for the top prize in the superheavyweight class.
“Mirzazadeh and Kayaalp are the top two in the world 130kg ranking and will be in different halves of the draw in the Olympics, but López will come to Paris as a non-ranked wrestler and could face Mirzazadeh at any stage before the final,” Rangraz said.
Meanwhile, Saravi – a winner of one world gold and double bronzes over the past three years – has been in dazzling form since the last-four defeat against Cuba’s Gabriel Rosillo in last September’s world event and will be looking to improve on his Olympic bronze in Paris.
“Saravi will have a difficult draw, given his No. 3 spot in the ranking, and will likely face a tough battle against the Belarusian opponent [Abubakar Khaslakhanau] en route to the final,” the Iranian coach said.
“Sixteen of the world’s best have gone through difficult paths to reach the Olympics. The ranking place and the draw will defiantly play a massive part in every wrestler’s campaign,” added the Iranian.
Speaking about the other Iranians’ title shot in Paris, Rangraz said: “Eight ranked wrestlers will participate in each weight class and will be placed in different parts of the draw. Mohsennejad will be among those eight in the 60kg contests but could still go head-to-head with the world gold and silver medalists in the same half of the bracket.”
“The same applies to Esmaeili in the 67kg class. He is an exceptional talent but his last international medal came in the world under-20 60kg and the event in Paris will be his first in the new weight category in a major senior competition.
“Our 77kg and 87kg wrestlers will head to the Games as non-ranked wrestlers, so they will be up against some demanding tests from their very first bout.
“It’s been five years since Kavianinejad last represented the national team in the World Championships. Mohmadi is just 21 and did a great job to seal the 87kg berth for the country. He won the world 82kg silver last year and the Olympics will make his major 87kg debut.”