Ivan Yarygin Cup 2026 kicks off, draw ceremony held

The Ivan Yarygin Cup 2026 begins on January 29 in Krasnoyarsk — one of the most prestigious international freestyle wrestling tournaments in the world. Traditionally, the competition brings together the strongest athletes on the planet, and this year it also carries special status, serving as a qualifying старт for Russian wrestlers ahead of the 2026 European Championships.

The official draw ceremony was held on the eve of the tournament. Athletes from 20 countries will compete: Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, DPRK, Mongolia, South Korea, Cuba, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Turkmenistan, Bulgaria, Greece, Uzbekistan, and India.

The Armenian national team is not participating this year, but several wrestlers of Armenian origin are on the entry lists. Among them are U23 world champion representing Russia Arsen Balaian (86 kg, Kaliningrad), Yura Hayrapetyan (70 kg, Krasnodar), Muradyan (92 kg), and Makhmudian (68 kg, women’s wrestling).

The freestyle field is traditionally star-studded. Olympic champion Zaurbek Sidakov and Olympic medalist Artur Naifonov will take to the mats. In addition, five world champions are entered: besides Sidakov, they include Abasgadzhi Magomedov, David Baev, Ahmed Usmanov, and DPRK representative Chon Sun Han.

The competition starts tomorrow, January 29, at 7:00 Moscow time. The first bouts will feature athletes in the 57, 61, and 70 kg weight classes, as well as women in the 50, 55, 59, and 65 kg categories.

Draw brackets can be downloaded via “THIS LINK” or viewed on the Wrestrus.ru website.

Live broadcasts are available on the Wrestling.tv. platform.

The Yarygin Cup traditionally opens the major international sports season and sets the tone for the entire wrestling year.