Azarpira, Tazhudinov set to renew wrestling rivalry in Riyadh
Wrestling fans may be treated to another chapter in the rivalry between Iran’s Amirali Azarpira and Bahrain’s Akhmed Tazhudinov when the freestyle wrestling event at the Islamic Solidarity Games gets underway on November 20 in Riyadh.
A potential 97kg showdown in the Saudi capital would mark the third meeting between the two since last year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Russian-born Tazhudinov – the 2023 world champion – rallied from behind to edge Azarpira 4-3 in the first round before going all the way to grab the gold in Paris, while the Iranian bounced back to secure a consolation bronze.
Two-time world U23 champion Azarpira, however, made up for the Paris setback at September’s World Championships in Zagreb, defeating Tazhudinov 5-2 in the semifinals, though he ultimately had to settle for silver after a 4-2 loss to American Kyle Snyder in the final.
Iran has named a full-strength freestyle squad across six weight classes in Riyadh.
Joining Azarpira in the squad are Olympic silver medalists Rahman Amouzad (65kg) and Amirhossein Zare’ (125kg), both of whom captured gold in their respective weight classes in Zagreb.
Two-time world champion Kamran Qassempour will headline the 86kg event, while Younes Emami – winner of two world bronzes – and Ali Mo’meni – a bronze winner in last year’s U23 Worlds – will be among the favorites in the 57kg and 74kg divisions, respectively.