Students from the Volga Region University delivered a successful performance at the Russian Belt Wrestling Championship. The tournament took place in Yelabuga, bringing together 300 wrestlers from 27 regions of the country.
Ilfat Minnigaliev distinguished himself by winning the title, defeating all opponents in the 62 kg weight class in the classical style.
"The Russian Championship is one of the key tournaments for me this season, as the winners and silver medalists qualify for international competitions. Notably, the World Championship is taking place before the New Year. I arrived at the event in excellent form and was able to put in a high-quality performance—I was pleased with how I wrestled. Things went well right from the opening round; I won all my bouts by a wide margin," he said.
Meanwhile, Anastasia Gracheva placed third in the 58 kg freestyle category. Bronze medals at the Russian Championship were also won by Ilzat Akhmerov (75 kg freestyle), Ildus Kamalov (75 kg classical style), Nikita Shirybyrov (57 kg freestyle), and Islam Zakirov (82 kg classical style).
"I’m glad to have made the podium, but honestly, I would have liked to compete in the final as well. The draw pitted me against my own coach in the first round, which prevented me from climbing higher on the podium; I would have preferred to save our match for the final. I also compete in Koresh, so there are tournaments in that sport coming up," said Ildus Kamalov.
Among the winners and medalists were university alumni Regina Nurutdinova, Dilyara Latypova, Ilnar Zakirov, and Dinar Karimullin. Additionally, Azat Akhatov—a professor in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Combat Sports at the Volga Region University—served on the championship's officiating panel.
Text: Adelina Khramova
Photo: Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan
