Iran, Kazakhstan eye Asian Greco-Roman title

Asian heavyweights, Iran and Kazakhstan, have cruised into the final of 25th Greco-Roman wrestling meet in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The continental event started on Saturday at the Aspire Dome of Doha in the presence of 20 countries and the bouts for medals are scheduled for Sunday night.

Iran is to fight for the glittering golds in the 66, 80 and 98kg categories as Mohammad Ali Geraei, Yousef Qaderian and Mehdi Aliyari beat their rivals.

In the 75 and 130kg battles for bronze medals, Iran has pinned its hopes on Payam Bouyeri and Bashir Babajanzadeh, respectively.

The first edition of Asian Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships kicked off in Tehran in 1983. Iran has so far lifted the title nine times, finishing runner-up five times and standing third five times.

 Freestyle title

The Iranian men’s freestyle team won a pair of gold medals Thursday night at the Aspire Dome to finish atop the team rankings table with four gold medalists, two runner-ups and 68 team points.

Japan, which earned three silver medals over two days, finished second with 60 points. Kyrgyzstan ranked third with one champion, two silver medalists and 54 points, unitedworldwrestling.org reported.

The Iranians were led on day two by Peyman Yar-Ahmadi who sprinted past Japan’s Daisuke Shimada 8-2 in the 74kg final. The No. 9 ranked wrestler in the world, Yar-Ahmadi, was at ease in the final securing back-to-back takedowns in the second period to pull away from Shimada.

Iran’s other gold medal came from Mohammad-Hossein Mohammadian who dominated No. 11 Magomed Musaev from Kyrgyzstan for the 97kg gold medal 10-3. Mohammadian found his attacks early and never relented, scoring a series of takedowns on the edge of the mat. Musaev was also the Asian Championship runner-up in 2014.

KK/KA/SS

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