Yazdani embraces new weight challenge ahead of Wrestling Worlds
Iranian wrestling sensation Hassan Yazdani says he is prepared to test himself against the world’s best at 97kg after securing his place on the freestyle national team for October’s World Championships in Astana, acknowledging that the transition to a new weight class has been one of the toughest challenges of his decorated career.
The 31-year-old defeated reigning world silver medalist Amirali Azarpira in back-to-back bouts at Iran’s national team trials on Friday, winning 4-2 and 5-3, and is now set to chase a fourth gold medal at the global showpiece.
Yazdani moved up two division after recovering from an 18-month shoulder injury – which he suffered during his 86kg final setback at the Paris Olympics – last December, entering a new chapter of his career.
October’s event will mark Yazdani’s return to Wrestling Worlds for the first time since the 2023 final loss to his familiar American foe David Taylor.
Despite his success at the trials, Yazdani admitted he is still adapting to the physical demands of his new division. He said improvements in his conditioning have helped his transition, although he believes there is still significant work to be done before he reaches peak form.
The former Olympic champion estimated that he was operating at “around 70 percent” of his ideal form during Friday’s double header, expressing confidence that he will be considerably better prepared by the time the World Championships begin.
The 97kg division is expected to feature a star-studded cast in Astana, with American Kyle Snyder defending his title, while former world and Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev will also be in the mix if he earns a place on the Russian team.
Reigning Olympic champion Akhmed Tazhudinov of Bahrain and Japanese world bronze medalist Arash Yoshida, who defeated Azarpira for the Asian title in April, will also fancy their chances in Astana.
Georgian Olympic silver medalist Givi Matcharashvili and former world 92kg champion Rizabek Aitmukhan of Kazakhstan will also pose a threat to Yazdani, who, rather than viewing the increased competition as a deterrent, welcomed the opportunity to measure himself against the sport’s top names.
“I hope I can perform well in this weight class too,” Yazdani told the official website of United World Wrestling. “There will be great champions at the event, and I hope I get the chance to wrestle them, test myself and deliver my best performance at the World Championships.”
The decision to move up in weight was made last year with an eye on long-term success, which is an elusive second Olympic gold in LA 2028. Yazdani said he wanted to make the switch early enough to address weaknesses, gain experience and fully adapt to the division before the next Olympic cycle reaches its peak.
He acknowledged that changing weight classes becomes “increasingly difficult with age,” especially after turning 30, but insisted he had carefully considered the challenges awaiting him at 97kg.
“There are definitely challenges in this weight class, and I have thought about all of them,” he said. “I hope I can deliver my best performance and achieve an excellent result.”