61 kg at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championship: Main Favorites for Gold

From September 13th to 21st, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, will host the long-awaited World Wrestling Championships. This tournament is the second most significant event after the Olympic Games, and hundreds of the best wrestlers on the planet are preparing for it to win the main title—the title of world champion.

On the eve of the start, we will break down one of the most competitive weight categories—up to 61 kg. Which of the strongest athletes will be able to climb to the top of the podium? We present the main contenders for the medals.

Zavur Uguev (Russia): The Champion's Return
The Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020 has confidently returned to the elite, winning the European Championship title this year. However, his last major victory on the international stage dates back to the Olympic final in Japan—the subsequent two World Championships ended without medals for him. Now, having moved to a new weight class and gained fresh momentum from his continental championship victory, Uguev is going to Zagreb with one sole goal—to reclaim his title as the strongest in the world.

• Key results over the last 3 years:

  • European Championships (61kg) - Gold medal

  • World Championships (61kg) - 5th place

  • World Championships (57kg) - 5th place

Takato Suda (Japan): The Rising Star
Japan is once again introducing a new talented wrestler to the world. 20-year-old Takato Suda is the main sensation of the season. This year, he has shown a 100% result, winning all three international tournaments he participated in. He is going to Croatia as one of the top favorites, and the traditionally strong Japanese wrestling school always brings surprises at tournaments of this level.

• Key results over the last 3 years:

  • Ranking Tournament in Hungary (61kg) - Gold medal

  • Asian Championships (61kg) - Gold medal

  • Ranking Tournament in Albania (61kg) - Gold medal

Zelimkhan Abakarov (Albania): The Experienced Legionnaire
The 32-year-old wrestler from Dagestan, competing for Albania, remains a formidable force. This season, he has already won bronze at a major tournament, losing only to one of the top favorites. Abakarov consistently delivers high results year after year, demonstrating signature technique and endurance. However, against this backdrop, the question becomes increasingly obvious: can the experienced veteran withstand the young and hungry new generation?

• Key results over the last 3 years:

  • European Championships (61kg) - Bronze medal

  • Olympic Games (57kg) - 8th place

  • European Championships (61kg) - Silver medal

  • World Championships (57kg) - Bronze medal

  • Ranking Tournament in Hungary (61kg) - Gold medal

  • European Championships (61kg) - Silver medal