Vazgen Tevanyan to Begin 2026 World Wrestling Championships Campaign: Potential Quarterfinal Clash with Rahman Amouzad Khalili

The 2026 World Freestyle Wrestling Championships will begin on October 29 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Wrestlers in the 65 kg and 97 kg weight categories will take to the mat on the opening day. Armenia will be represented by Vazgen Tevanyan (65 kg), who is considered one of the medal contenders at the tournament.

Although only one Armenian wrestler will compete on the first day, expectations are high. The 2023 European champion and 2023 World Championships bronze medalist has received a relatively favorable draw in the early rounds. However, he could face one of the world's strongest wrestlers, Iran's Rahman Amouzad Khalili, as early as the quarterfinals.

Tevanyan's First Opponent Is from Mongolia

In the Round of 32, Vazgen Tevanyan will face Mongolia's Bat-Erdene Byambasuren.

The Mongolian wrestler does not have the same level of international experience or achievements as the Armenian, making Tevanyan the clear favorite. However, his opponent should not be underestimated. Wrestlers from Mongolia are traditionally known for their resilience and ability to challenge even more accomplished opponents.

65 kg, Round of 32: Vazgen Tevanyan (Armenia) vs. Bat-Erdene Byambasuren (Mongolia).

If Tevanyan wins, he will advance to the Round of 16, where he could face either Ukraine's Andrii Dzhelep or Kazakhstan's Ossimzhan Dastanbek.

Tevanyan would be considered the favorite against either opponent. However, a potential match against the Kazakh wrestler could prove particularly challenging due to the support of the home crowd.

Potential Quarterfinal Against the World No. 1

Vazgen Tevanyan's biggest challenge could come as early as the quarterfinals.

At that stage, the Armenian could face Iran's Rahman Amouzad Khalili, the world No. 1, two-time world champion, and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The Iranian is regarded as one of the leading favorites for the world title in the Olympic 65 kg weight category. His path to the quarterfinals also appears relatively favorable.

If both wrestlers successfully navigate the opening rounds, fans could witness one of the most exciting matchups of the quarterfinal stage.

Interestingly, Tevanyan and Amouzad Khalili were previously scheduled to meet in the final of an international tournament in January 2024. However, the Iranian withdrew from the decisive bout due to injury. As a result, Tevanyan received the gold medal without wrestling, while Amouzad took silver.

The two athletes have not faced each other on the mat since then. Therefore, a potential quarterfinal in Astana could mark their first head-to-head bout.

An Unusual Entrant in the Draw: Japan's Kaisei Tanabe

Another interesting aspect of the 65 kg draw is the presence of Japan's Kaisei Tanabe, who could face Tevanyan in the quarterfinals if he manages to defeat Amouzad Khalili.

Earlier at the same World Championships in Astana, Tanabe had already competed in Greco-Roman wrestling, finishing seventh in the 63 kg category.

The Japanese athlete will now test himself in freestyle wrestling as well, making him one of the tournament's most unusual participants.

2026 World Freestyle Wrestling Championships: Day 1 Schedule — October 29

On Thursday, October 29, the preliminary rounds and semifinals will take place in the 65 kg and 97 kg weight categories.

All times are in Yerevan time (GMT+4):

• 09:30 — Qualification rounds begin (65 kg and 97 kg).

• 15:30 — Semifinals (65 kg and 97 kg).

The medal bouts in these weight categories will take place on October 30.

When Will the Other Armenian Wrestlers Compete?

Five more Armenian wrestlers will join the competition over the following two days.

October 30

• Arsen Harutyunyan (61 kg)

• Arman Andreasyan (70 kg)

October 31

• Manvel Khndz rtsyan (57 kg)

• Narek Harutyunyan (74 kg)

• Hrayr Alikhanyan (79 kg)

Thus, one of Armenia's national team leaders, Vazgen Tevanyan, will open the country's campaign at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships.

The main question heading into the first day is whether the Armenian wrestler can successfully navigate the opening rounds and secure the long-awaited showdown with Rahman Amouzad Khalili.