Armenian wrestler Vazgen Tevanyan has won a silver medal at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships for the first time in his career. The tournament is taking place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.
In the 65 kg final, the 27-year-old wrestler faced 20-year-old Bo Bassett, representing the United States. Tevanyan lost the gold medal bout 9-1, finishing the tournament in second place, Factor.am reports.
The Armenian athlete competed in the decisive bout despite an injury. His hand was bandaged after he fractured his little finger during the semifinal match.
Tevanyan began his tournament campaign in the qualification round.
In his opening bout, he defeated Mongolia’s Zenemeder Byambasuren 9-6, securing his place in the next round.
In his second match, the Armenian wrestler faced Kazakhstan’s Osimzhan Dastanbek and emerged victorious after a closely contested bout, winning 2-1.
In the quarterfinals, Tevanyan overcame a particularly formidable opponent. He defeated Iran’s Rahman Amouzad 3-2. Amouzad is the silver medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the reigning world champion.
In the battle for a place in the final, the Armenian wrestler faced Dagestan-born Shamil Mamedov, representing Bulgaria. Tevanyan secured a 2-1 victory in a difficult semifinal bout, advancing to a world championship final for the first time in his career.
Two other members of Armenia’s freestyle wrestling team also competed on October 30: Arsen Harutyunyan in the 61 kg category and Arman Andreasyan in the 70 kg category. Both Armenian wrestlers suffered defeats in the round of 16 and ended their participation in the world championships.
Three other members of the Armenian team will begin their tournament campaigns on October 31.
Specifically, Manvel Khndzrtsyan will compete in the 57 kg category, Narek Harutyunyan in the 74 kg category and Hrayr Alikhanyan in the 79 kg category.
