Russian heavyweight wrestler Abdulla Kurbanov captured a silver medal at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana, marking his first podium finish at a world championship, according to Match TV. Kurbanov fell to Iran’s Amir Zare in the 125 kg final on November 1, 2026, ending a tense tournament week in Kazakhstan’s capital where the national team competed under its flag.

Kurbanov Outlines Ambitions After Heavyweight Defeat

Reflecting on his run in the 125 kg division, Kurbanov told Match TV that he views the silver medal as a stepping stone rather than a ceiling. “We had a good training camp,” Kurbanov said, noting that domestic competition within Russia remains fierce across every weight category. The heavyweight competitor acknowledged that future qualification cycles will present stiffer tactical challenges now that opponents have adjusted to his style. The 2026 world tournament ran from October 24 through November 1, returning Russian athletes to international competition with full national symbols.

Dagestani Freestylers Secure Eight Medals in Kazakhstan

Wrestlers representing the republic of Dagestan secured eight medals as part of the Russian freestyle delegation in Astana, RIA Dagestant reported. Ibragim Ibragimov in the 70 kg category and Amanulla Gadzhimagomedov in the 92 kg division claimed gold medals. Alongside Kurbanov’s silver, Zaur Uгуev took silver in the 61 kg weight class. Bronze medals went to Abubakar Mutaliev at 57 kg, Abasgadzhi Magomedov at 65 kg, Ismail Haniev at 79 kg, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev at 97 kg, bringing the total tally of Dagestani medalists to eight out of nine participants.

Gadzhimagomedov and Sheriev Claim Late Gold Medals

Sportbox and Championat reported dramatic finishes on the final day of competition as Gadzhimagomedov and Inalbek Sheriev secured gold. Gadzhimagomedov faced American Trent Hidley in the 92 kg final, avenging a loss from the previous year. Trailing 2-0 and later 4-1, Gadzhimagomedov benefited from a successful coaching challenge by head coach Dzhemal Gatsalov, which overturned a sequence and established a 3-2 winning margin. Shortly after, Sheriev defeated local favorite Nurkozha Kaipanov 10-4 in the 74 kg final, overcoming a four-day hotel wait prior to the event.

Medal Standings and Team Finish at the 2026 Tournament

The Russian wrestling team finished the Astana tournament with 14 total medals, comprising four gold, three silver, and seven bronze awards, according to Championat. In the overall medal standings, the team finished third behind the United States and Iran. The American squad claimed seven gold, two silver, and six bronze medals, while Iran finished with six gold, four silver, and five bronze podium finishes.