Iran names star-studded GR squad for Islamic Solidarity Games
Iran Greco-Roman head coach Hassan Rangraz has named a strong six-man squad, featuring world and Olympic champions, for the wrestling competitions at the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games.
The sixth edition of the multi-sport event will kick off in Riyadh on November 7.
Reigning Olympic champions Saeid Esmaeili and Mohammad-Hadi Saravi, who also captured gold at September’s World Championships in Zagreb, will be clear favorites in the 67kg and 97kg weight classes, respectively.
Gholamreza Farrokhi, fresh off a gold medal on his debut at the Wrestling World Championships, will also be the man to beat in the 87kg category. The Games, however, will mark his third major event in less than two months, as the young Iranian is also set to represent the country at the U23 World Championships starting Monday in Novi Sad, Serbia.
Joining the trio in the Iranian squad will be senior Asian champion Fardin Hedayati, who will first defend his world under-23 title before vying for 130kg glory in the Saudi capital.
Ali Ahmadi Vafa endured a 60kg campaign to forget in Zagreb after suffering a first-round exit against Japan’s Kaito Inaba, but with the 2024 world U23 and junior titles under his belt, the 20-year-old Iranian will still be among the favorites for the ultimate prize in Riyadh.
Former world U23 and junior bronze medalist Amir Abdi is yet to make his mark at the senior level and will be eager to turn the tide in Riyadh after defeating two-time world U20 champion Alireza Abdevali – who finished fifth in Zagreb – to secure the 77kg spot in the Iranian squad.