Dorostkar eyes FS wrestling golds at L.A. Olympics
Iran head coach Pejman Dorostkar hopes the country’s freestyle wrestling team can build on winning the world title in Zagreb to enjoy a glory-laden campaign at the Los Angeles Olympics in three years.
Dorostkar’s 10-man squad bagged seven medals, including double golds, to claim its first freestyle team trophy in 12 years at the Wrestling World Championships in the Croatian capital on Tuesday.
Having finished runner-up to the United States in the previous two editions, Iran topped the team standings with 145 points – 11 ahead of second-placed Team USA. Japan (111 pts) and Azerbaijan (83 pts) followed in third and fourth places, respectively, while the results of the Russian wrestlers, who competed as neutral athletes, were declared null and void by United World Wrestling.
“It used to be a three-horse race featuring Iran, the United States, and Russia for the freestyle crown, but it is fair to say that Japan and Azerbaijan joined the list of contenders this time. However, even after factoring in the Russians’ results, Iran still managed to clinch the championship in commanding fashion,” Dorostkar said upon arriving in Tehran on Friday.
Rahman Amouzad (65kg) and Amirhossein Zare’ (125kg) – silver medalists in last year’s Paris Olympics – walked away with the ultimate prize in their respective weight classes in Zagreb, while Ahmad Mohammadnejad Javan (61kg), and Amirali Azarpira (97kg) settled for a couple of silver medals.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Nokhodi (79kg), two-time world champion Kamran Qassempour (86kg), and Amirhossein Firouzpour (92kg) finished with a consolation bronze, with Ali Mo’meni (57kg), Amirmohammad Yazdani (70kg), and Younes Emami (74kg) leaving Zagreb empty-handed.
Asked if his team can carry the momentum into the L.A. Games in three-years’ time, Dorostkar said: “The latest triumph must lead to success at the Olympics. I truly believe that Iranian wrestling’s rightful place goes beyond just winning five or six gold medals in the history of the Games. I just hope this group of wrestlers can keep up the momentum to succeed in Los Angeles.”
Wrestling sensation Hassan Yazdani remains the last Iranian win a freestyle gold at the Olympics – the 74kg title in Rio 2016.