Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Photo: Bahrain News Agency
From July 15 to 19, Bahrain’s national wrestling team is competing in the Ranking Series Championship in Budapest, Hungary. The event is organised by the Hungarian Wrestling Federation under the United World Wrestling (UWW) banner. As one of the premier wrestling events of the year, the tournament attracts top international wrestlers. For Bahrain’s team, it represents a crucial opportunity to improve their world rankings and make progress toward qualifying for major competitions, including the Olympics.
Importance of the Ranking Series Event
The Ranking Series Championship awards ranking points based on performance. These points can significantly affect an athlete’s global position and chances of qualifying for elite events. High placement improves seeding in upcoming tournaments, which can provide more favourable draws. For Bahrain, success in Budapest can help athletes solidify their presence on the international stage and earn invitations to high-level competitions.
Team Leadership and Role Structure
Bahrain’s delegation is led by Kamal Jamal Kamal, a board member of the Bahrain Wrestling Federation. The technical and strategic preparation is overseen by coach Eldar Eldarov, who manages athletes’ training and match tactics. Their coordination ensures the team is focused and prepared for each bout.
List of Competing Athletes
The team includes six wrestlers across different weight categories, each bringing unique strengths:
- Ali Bek Albekov (65 kg)
- Mohammed Rasul Asloev (74 kg)
- Khudayr Saifudinov (79 kg)
- Mohammed Sharipov (92 kg)
- Akhmed Tazhudinov (97 kg) – Olympic champion
- Shamil Sharipov (125 kg)
Olympic medalist Akhmed Tazhudinov will provide experience and leadership, while the other wrestlers look to achieve strong results and learn from competition at the highest level.
Momentum from Madrid Success
The Bahrain team recently shone at the International Spain Championship in Madrid. They secured four gold medals and one bronze, which placed them first in the overall freestyle team rankings. This success boosted team morale and showcased Bahrain’s development in wrestling. The confidence from Madrid forms a foundation for their performance in Budapest.
Goals for Budapest Performance
The main objectives for Bahrain’s team include:
- Earning world ranking points to improve their standings
- Gaining seeding advantages in upcoming tournaments
- Facing and learning from elite wrestlers
- Building on recent medal-winning performance
- Preparing mentally and tactically for Olympic qualifiers
Each athlete will aim to balance strong results with technical development.
Technical Preparation Strategy
Under the guidance of Coach Eldar Eldarov, the team has followed an intensive training regime. This includes studying opponents, refining techniques during practice matches, and establishing match-day routines. Technical analysis and mental preparation have been central to the preparation strategy.
Role of Support Systems
The Bahrain Olympic Committee and sports authorities support the athletes with logistics, healthcare, and nutrition. These provisions ensure wrestlers can focus entirely on competition. The organising team coordinates travel, schedules, and match entries, setting a solid platform for performance.
Bahrain’s Long-Term Wrestling Vision
Bahrain aims to increase its presence and results in international wrestling. With better performances, the federation hopes to secure more sponsorships and develop youth programs at home. The federation sees appearances in Ranking Series and qualification for the Olympics as essential steps in expanding competitive wrestling in the country.
Public Support and Media Coverage
Back home, fans and local media are following the team’s journey closely. After the Madrid success, expectations remain high, and updates from Budapest will be widely covered. Improved visibility can attract more interest in wrestling, from youth clubs to sponsors.
Future Outlook for Olympic Qualification
Following Budapest, Bahrain’s wrestlers will aim to secure further ranking points through regional and continental qualifiers. Strong performances in Budapest can improve draw positions and improve the chance of Olympic participation. The wrestlers view this as part of a long-term campaign toward global competition.
Building Experience Against Top Competition
Facing high-ranked wrestlers from around the world allows Bahrain’s athletes to benchmark themselves. These matches offer lessons in tactics, stamina, and mental resilience, all of which help in refining game plans as the team looks ahead to larger tournaments.
Team Spirit and National Pride
The athletes carry Bahrain’s flag and dreams on the mat. Their unity and shared purpose reflect national pride and unity. Their performance in Budapest is a source of motivation and symbolism for Bahrain’s sporting aspirations.
Summary of Bahrain’s Strategy
The month of July is significant for Bahrain wrestling. Budapest represents a critical challenge and opportunity. The combination of leadership, preparation, recent success, and high-level support form a calculated approach designed to elevate Bahrain’s standing in international wrestling.
Steps Towards Global Recognition
By participating in the Ranking Series Championship in Budapest, Bahrain’s wrestling team is taking deliberate steps toward Olympic qualification and higher rankings. The athletes benefit from experience, pressure testing, and competitive exposure. Bahrain’s federation supports them with coaching, logistics, and national attention.
The final results will not only measure performance on the mat but also indicate Bahrain’s potential for future success and deeper engagement in global wrestling.
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