Tajikistan wins first medal at U17 World Wrestling Championships in Greece
Teen wrestler Mahdi Barotov claims bronze in Greco-Roman 55 kg class after intense bout against Azerbaijan opponent
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — Tajikistan has claimed its first medal at the U17 World Wrestling Championships, marking a major milestone for the country’s young athletes on the global stage. The tournament, currently taking place in Athens, Greece, brings together the world’s most promising youth wrestlers.
Competing in the Greco-Roman 55 kg weight class, Tajik athlete Mahdi Barotov earned a bronze medal after a series of hard-fought matches. His final bout was a standout — a tense and tactical showdown against Azerbaijan’s Nihat Bahmanov.
Despite facing an aggressive and technically sharp opponent, Barotov emerged victorious with a 9–5 scoreline.
The Wrestling Federation confirmed Barotov’s bronze win, calling it a “significant moment” for the country’s youth wrestling program. Tajikistan has sent a six-member team to this year’s competition, including five Greco-Roman wrestlers and one freestyle competitor.
Barotov’s win marks not just individual success, but a boost for Tajikistan’s presence in international wrestling. He is joined on the Greco-Roman team by Amir Obidov (60 kg), Shohijahon Boboyev (65 kg), Alisher Ruzimadov (71 kg), and Muhammad Sultonzoda (80 kg). In freestyle wrestling, Ayub Bozorzoda is competing in the 71 kg division.
The U17 World Championships are organized by United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body. UWW has also announced the schedule for its upcoming major events, including the senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, from September 13 to 21.
The U20 competition will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from August 18 to 24, while the next youth-level championships are slated for October in Novi Sad, Serbia.
Barotov’s performance in Athens not only brings pride to Tajikistan, but also signals the rising talent in Central Asia’s wrestling scene — a region with deep-rooted traditions in the sport.
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