Zagreb, Croatia – At the fiercely contested 2025 World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Japan’s female wrestling power trio of Sakura Motoki, Haruna Murayama, and Ami Ishii dominated the mat to reach the finals, signaling a strong resurgence in women’s wrestling for the nation.
Sakura Motoki, the Olympic champion competing at 62kg, delivered a masterclass semifinal victory, overwhelming former world champion Orkhon Purevdorj of Mongolia 14-1 in a technical fall. Motoki’s performance was a mix of precision takedowns and superior control, showcasing her determination to capture her first world title after multiple tries. “The energy and support from my team keep me pushing,” Motoki said after the match. She will face North Korea’s Ok Ju Kim in the final.
Three-time world champion Haruna Murayama also secured a tight 2-1 win over North Korea’s Hyogyong Choe at 53kg, aiming to add a historic fourth world title to her illustrious career. Murayama reflected, “Every match is a battle, and I’m focused on continuing this legacy for Japan.”
At 68kg, Ami Ishii joined the final stages, completing Japan’s dominant display in women’s freestyle wrestling. This trio’s success put Japan well ahead in the women’s team race, leading with 147 points, followed by North Korea and Russia, according to the latest team standings.
On the men’s side, American legend Helen Maroulis captured her fourth world crown at 57kg in a nail-biting 3-2 victory over North Korea’s Son Il-sim, further adding to her decorated resume that includes Olympic gold. “It was a tough final, but I stayed calm and executed my strategy,” said Maroulis. Japan’s Miwa Morikawa at 65kg also clinched gold with an 8-0 technical superiority win, reinforcing Japan’s balanced strength across genders.
The men’s freestyle category witnessed thrilling moments as Kyle Snyder of the USA secured his fourth world title in the 97kg division, edging Iran’s Amirali Hamid Azarpira 3-2 in a gripping match. “This win means everything; the competition is fierce every year,” Snyder commented.
With action continuing through September 21, the championships have displayed intense battles, historic achievements, and rising stars from a global cast of wrestling powerhouses.
Summary of Results:
Sakura Motoki (JPN) advanced to 62kg final, beat Orkhon Purevdorj (MGL) 14-1
Haruna Murayama (JPN) advanced to 53kg final, beat Hyogyong Choe (PRK) 2-1
Ami Ishii (JPN) advanced to 68kg final
Helen Maroulis (USA) won 57kg gold, defeating Son Il-sim (PRK) 3-2
Miwa Morikawa (JPN) won 65kg gold vs. Alina Kasabieva (RUS) 8-0
Kyle Snyder (USA) won 97kg gold, 3-2 over Amirali Hamid Azarpira (IRI)
Japan leads the women’s team standings with 147 points, North Korea second with 100, and Russia third with 90.
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