RUSSIA CROWNS TWO ON SECOND DAY OF WRESTLING WORLDS

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY  (September 17) – Veteran Khadzhimurat GATSALOV (RUS) won his fifth world title and national team newcomer Bekhan GOIGEREEV (RUS) romped to his first on the second day of men’s freestyle action at the  Wrestling World Championships.

GATSALOV, 30, who won all four of his titles at 96kg, notched four wins by fall or technical fall at 120kg as he rolled to his first world championship crown since 2009.

GOIGEREEV, meanwhile, recorded five wins by technical fall and then capped his first world championships title by pinning European silver medalist Vladimir DUBOV (BUL) in the 60kg final.

The third gold medal awarded at Papp Lazslo Budapest Sports Arena on Wednesday went to 2011 world runner-up Ibragim ALDATOV (UKR), who captured his first world title since winning the 74kg crown in Guangzhou, China in 2006.

With the triumphs by GATSALOV and GOIGEREEV (RUS), Russia extended its lead in the men’s freestyle team rankings to seven points over Iran, 44-37, with only the 74kg category remaining to be contested on Wednesday, September 18.

ALDATOV gave Ukraine a complete set of championship medals – gold, silver and bronze for the championships.

Iran added a pair of bronze medals to its two gold medals won on Monday, while Cuba claimed a second silver, Turkey earned a second bronze, and India added a bronze to its silver the first evening.

Wrestling in men’s freestyle concludes Wednesday, September 18, with the 74kg as the curtain is raised on women’s freestyle with the two lightest weight categories – 48kg and 51kg.

60kg – World University Games champion Bekhan GOIGEREEV (RUS) found his groove in the second period of the championship final, breaking a 2-2 tie, and dumped Vladimir DUBOV (BUL) onto his back for a fall at 4:20.

In the bronze medal finals, Barjang BARJANG (IND) gave up the first takedown to Nyam-Ochir ENKHSAIKHAN (MGL) and fashioned a technical fall with leg attacks and counters, 9-2, as time expired.

BARJANG’s medal follows a silver medal at 55kg on Monday night by Amit KUMAR (IND).

Former Asia champion Masoud ESMAEILPOORJOUYBARI (IRI) capped his technical fall with a pair of force-outs for a 7-0 win at 2:37 over Artur ARAKELYAN (ARM).

84kg – Ibragim ALDATOV (UKR), the 2011 world silver medalist, neutralized the speed of Reineris SALAS PEREZ (CUB) to build a 5-1 lead over the first three minutes, then opened the second with a takedown and lift to the back for the technical fall, 8-1 only 19 seconds into the period.

ALDATOV’s triumph now gives him two world titles, two silver and a bronze in six trips to the world championsships.

In the bronze medal finals, Istvan VEREB (HUN) scored a takedown going out of bounds in the first period and held on for a 2-1 win against Beijing 2008 bronze medalist Murad GAIDAROV (BLR).

VEREB, whose previous best in the world championships was a 10th in 2009,

assured the host country it would have at least one medal from the men’s freestyle events.

London 2012 bronze medalist Ehsan LASHGARI (IRI) worked methodically against surprising Talmuraz FRIEV NASKIDAEVA (ESP) for a 6-4 win and Iran’s fourth medal of the championships.

With his fifth place, FRIEV NASKIDAEVA, formerly a member of the Russian national team, gave Spain its best showing ever in men’s freestyle at the world championships.  Arturo SANTORUM (ESP) earned an eighth place at heavyweight in Kiev in 1983.

120kg – Khadzhimourat GATSALOV (RUS) threw European runner-up Alen ZASEEV (UKR) for three points with a judo-style inner-thigh reap (uchimata), then dumped ZASEEV to his back again from a single-leg attack for three more – and the technical fall.

The Ukraine challenged the ruling, but the officiating crew confirmed the original decision, making it a 7-0 win for GATSALOV at 1:30 of the final.

In the bronze medal finals, junior world champion GENO PETRIASHVILI (GEO) scored with four different leg attacks and overwhelmed former Asia bronze medalist DENG Zhiwei (CHN) for the technical fall, 10-3 at4:12.

European champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) received a penalty point in the first period and scored with a textbook single-leg in the second for a 3-0 victory over Tervel DLAGNEV (USA).

In the seminfinals, PETRIASHVILI scored the opening takedown but GATSALOV stepped over the young Georgian, rolled him to his back and pressed for the fall only 49 seconds into the bout.

In the round of 16, ZASEEV stunned AKGUL (TUR) with a go-behind and short back-arching throw to cap an 8-0 technical fall at 2:12.

Schedule for the Wrestling World Championships

September 18, Wednesday

1 p.m. – 6 p.m.  Elimination rounds and repechage: FS 74kg, FW 48kg, 51kg

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Finals and awards ceremonies: FS 74kg, FW 48kg, 51kg

September 19, Thursday

1 p.m. – 6 p.m.  Elimination rounds and repechage: FW 55kg, 59kg, 63kg

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Finals and awards ceremonies: FW 55kg, 59kg, 63kg

September 20, Friday

1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Elimination rounds and repechage: FW 67kg, 72kg, GR 55kg

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Finals and awards ceremonies: FW 67kg, 72kg, GR 55kg

September 21, Saturday

1 p.m. – 6 p.m.  Elimination rounds and repechage: GR 60kg, 84kg, 96kg

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Finals and awards ceremonies: GR 60kg, 84kg, 96kg

September 22, Sunday

1 p.m. – 6 p.m.  Elimination rounds and repechage: GR 66kg, 74kg, 120kg

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Finals and awards ceremonies: GR 66kg, 74kg, 120kg

About FILA

FILA, the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, is the global governing body of the sport of wrestling. It works to promote the sport and facilitate the activities of its 177 national federations from around the world. It is based in Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland.  For additional details about FILA, please contact FILA at 41.21 312 84 26 or Bob Condron, Press Officer, condron@fila-wrestling.com

“United 4 Wrestling” exhibition sponsored by Semnani Family Foundation

By Toby Zwikel Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc., 
04/30/2013


LOS ANGELES – Tickets for “United 4 Wrestling” – a friendly international wrestling competition pitting the USA and Iran at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. – go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, and by charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. 

LA Sports Arena box office hours are weekdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The LA Sports Arena box office (3939 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90037) is located on the south side of the arena, adjacent to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Three levels of ticket pricing are offered and start as low as $13, to $23 for mid-level seating, to $63 for seats closest to the floor.

This historic wrestling exhibition, organized by USA Wrestling and Beat the Streets-Los Angeles, Inc. and staged in cooperation with California USA Wrestling, is an important event toward sustaining momentum for the Keep Olympic Wrestling movement and the 2020 Vision: Wrestling, Keep the Dream Alive campaign.

Billed “United 4 Wrestling,” the USA vs. Iran dual meet will feature the current international freestyle wrestling rules. The event will be a showcase competition as part of World Wrestling Month, which was declared by the international wrestling federation (FILA).

Sponsoring the “United 4 Wrestling” event in Los Angeles is the Semnani Family Foundation, a Salt Lake City-based international humanitarian organization in its 20th year and founded by Khosrow Semnani, a prominent Iranian-American philanthropist. 

Iran has competed in wrestling in the United States 10 times in recent years, but none of those matches took place in Los Angeles, which holds the world’s largest population of those of Iranian descent outside of Iran. Iran’s latest visits to wrestle in the U.S. included the 1995 World Championships in Atlanta, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the 1998 Junior World Championships in Primm, Nev., the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York City and the 2003 World Championships in New York City. In addition, the Iranian team competed in the World Cup held in the United States five times (1995 in Chattanooga, Tenn.; 1998 in Stillwater, Okla.; 1999 in Spokane, Wash.; 2000 in Fairfax, Va. and 2001 in Baltimore, Md.).

On Feb. 12, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board made a recommendation that wrestling not be a core sport at the 2020 Olympic Games. A final decision on the program of the 2020 Olympics will be made by the entire IOC in September. A worldwide effort has been launched by FILA and all 177 nations which participate in wrestling to retain wrestling as an Olympic sport.

“United 4 Wrestling” will follow on the heels of an event Wednesday, May 15 at Vanderbilt Hall in New York’s Grand Central Terminal involving the United States, Iran and Russia, three of the world’s best wrestling nations. Since the IOC announcement, these three nations have worked closely together to help support Olympic wrestling. Although their governments do not always agree, the wrestling leaders in these nations have a strong working relationship. Sports competition between the United States and Iran has been an example of how wrestling transcends politics and cultural differences.

USA Wrestling sponsored the first American sports team to compete in Iran after an absence of nearly 20 years, when a U.S. freestyle wrestling team competed in the 1998 Takhti Cup in Tehran. In total, the USA has wrestled in Iran 11 times, including the historic 1998 tour.

ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS–LOS ANGELES
Beat the Streets – Los Angeles cultivates youth development in underserved communities by encouraging a desire for excellence, respect, teamwork, leadership, integrity and perseverance through the instruction of quality wrestling programs. Together with public support, BTS-LA strives to enhance young men and women’s lives in school, sports and community. More information can be found atwww.beatthestreets-la.org

ABOUT USA WRESTLING
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and the International Wrestling Federation FILA. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. Its president is James Ravannack, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender.

ABOUT KEEP OLYMPIC WRESTLING
In the United States, the official website is http://www.KeepWrestlingInTheOlympics.com, on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/officialkeepwrestlingintheolympics, and on Twitter @wrestlingvision. 

The international links for FILA are http://www.fila-official.com/, on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/fila.official and on Twitter @FILA_Official. 

ABOUT SEMNANI FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Semnani Family Foundation focuses on tackling questions of global health, poverty and disaster relief, with particular emphasis on protecting women and children. During the past 20 years, the foundation has collaborated with more than 550 non-profit organizations in projects ranging from famine and earthquake relief to the establishment of vaccination programs and health clinics.

Iran freestyle team lineup set for The Rumble On the Rails in Grand Central Terminal in New York City on May 15

As part of World Wrestling Month in May, Iran will be sending a men’s freestyle team to the United States for two friendly international events. Iran has announced a strong team for these competitions, including past Olympic and World Championship medalists.

Three of the world’s top powers, Iran, the United States and Russia will come together in solidarity at “The Rumble On The Rails,” in Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal in New York City, N.Y. on Wednesday, May 15, starting at 3:30 p.m.

The competition will be held alongside the annual Beat the Streets Awards Gala, which will be held following the competition at Bryant Park Grill. A ticket will be required for both the competition and the Gala.

Leading Team Iran is two-time World champion Mehdi Taghavi Kermani at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Taghavi is a two-time Junior World champion and two-time Olympian.

The Iranian team will feature a pair of 2012 Olympic bronze medalists, Ehsan Lashgari at 84 kg/185 lbs. and Komeil Ghasemi at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Lashgari is a three-time Asian Championships champion, claiming titles in 2009, 2010 and 2012. Ghasemi was also a two-time Junior World bronze medalist (2007 and 2008).

2011 World bronze medalist and 2012 Olympian Hassan Rahimi will be wrestling at 55 kg/121 lbs. Rahimi has won gold and silver medals at the Junior World Championships and captured the title at the World Military Championships.

Also on the team is 2007 Junior World champion and 2012 Olympian Masoud Esmailpour Jouybari at 60 kg/132 lbs. He also earned a gold medal at the recent 2013 World Cup held in Tehran, Iran.

Also on the team is three-time World Cup medalist Hassan Tahmasebi at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Hamed Tatari at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., who took fifth at the 2013 World Cup.

The lineups for the United States and for Russia for will be announced very soon.

“The Rumble On The Rails,” is a private event. Tickets are required for admission and they must be bought ahead of time from www.beat-the-streets.org. No tickets will be available on site at the event. There will be no standing room only opportunities and no view from the pedestrian walkway. Anybody who would like to see this outstanding competition must plan ahead and secure a ticket prior to the competition.

This will be the fourth straight year in which a major international-style wrestling competition will be hosted as part of the Beat the Streets Gala activities.

In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. In 2011, the United States defeated World champion Russia, 5-2, the first sports event ever held in historic Times Square. In 2012, another U.S. vs. Russia dual meet was held in Times Square, along with the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle. All of these events have been great showcases for international wrestling as well as receiving major media coverage.

Since the 1990s, Iran has competed in wrestling in the United States 10 times. This included the 1995 World Championships in Atlanta, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the 1998 Junior World Championships in Primm, Nev., the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York City and the 2003 World Championships in New York City. In addition, the Iranian team competed in the World Cup held in the United States five times (1995 in Chattanooga, 1998 in Stillwater, 1999 in Spokane, 2000 in Fairfax, Va. and 2001 in Baltimore).

This team from Iran will also face off against the USA in a friendly international dual meet billed “United 4 Wrestling,” on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.

IRAN MEN’S FREESTYLE ROSTER FOR USA TOUR

55 kg/121 lbs. – Hassan Rahimi

60 kg/132 lbs. – Masoud Esmailpour Jouybari

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Mehdi Taghavi Kermani

74 kg/163 lbs. – Hassan Tahmasebi

84 kg/185 lbs. – Ehsan Lashgari

96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Hamed Tatari

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Komeil Ghasemi

Coaches – GholamReza Mohammadi, Reza Leyegh, Mohammad Talaie, Ali Reza Rezaei

Technical Manager – Rasoul Khadem

Team Leader – Ali Bayat

Officials – Khatib Hojatollah, Ali Eftekhari, Ahmad Govari

Doctor – Sadegh Mahboubi

 

“RUMBLE ON THE RAILS” USA VS. IRAN VS. RUSSIA SCHEDULE

At New York, N.Y., May 15

3:30 p.m. – USA vs. Iran, at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal

5:00 p.m. – Beat the Streets youth exhibition matches at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal

6:00 p.m. – USA vs. Russia at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal

8:00 p.m. – Beat the Streets Awards Gala at Bryant Park Grill

ABOUT USA WRESTLING

USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and the International Wrestling Federation FILA. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. Its president is James Ravannack, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender.

ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS

The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTSW works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org

ABOUT KEEP OLYMPIC WRESTLING

In the United States, the official website is http://www.KeepWrestlingInTheOlympics.com, on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/officialkeepwrestlingintheolympics, and on Twitter @wrestlingvision.

The international links for FILA are http://www.fila-official.com/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/fila.official and on Twitter @FILA_Official.

Beat the Streets’s “Rumble on the Rails” Will Feature Team USA vs. Russia and Iran in NYC May 15th

For years, the annual Beat the Streets event in New York City has featured some of the best wrestling talent around.

2013 will be no exception.

On May 15, Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall will be the host of the “Rumble on the Rails”, involving three of the world’s top wrestling nations – the United States, Russia and Iran.  Action is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. when the United States takes on the Iranians.  Shortly afterwards, Beat the Streets exhibition matches will take place before the US and Russia square off in another dual at 6 p.m..  Following the competition, the annual Beat the Streets Gala will begin at the Bryant Park Grill.


The nations will come together to support both the Beat the Streets program as well as show unity for the Keep Olympic Wrestling movement.

 

http://www.beat-the-streets.org/     (New York)

 

 

 

 USA Wrestling and Beat the Streets-Los Angeles, Inc. announced another major event which will be a highlight of World Wrestling Month in May. The United States and Iran will come together in a friendly international wrestling competition Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Billed “United 4 Wrestling,” the event is sponsored the Semnani Family Foundation, an international humanitarian organization based in Salt Lake City and founded by Khosrow Semnani, a prominent Iranian-American philanthropist. The USA vs. Iran dual meet will feature the current international freestyle wrestling rules. Lineups will be released when available, but is expected to include major international stars from both nations, including Olympic and World medalists. Although their governments do not always agree, the wrestling leaders in these two nations have a strong working relationship. Iran has competed in wrestling in the United States 10 times in recent years. The Iranian team will also compete in New York City on May 15 at Vanderbilt Hall in New York’s Grand Central Terminal in an event also featuring the United States and Russia.

http://beatthestreets-la.org/   (Los Angeles)

 

Scott Casber - Takedown Wrestling Media - 515-707-8657