Bhubaneswar: In one of the most dominant displays of the day, Islam Bazarganov (AZE) dismantled Sayed Zazai (AFG) 10-0 in the men’s 57 kg semifinal. Bazarganov earned the win with a trap-arm gut and four turns, ending Zazai’s dream run.
In women’s 62 kg, Ruzanna Mammadova (AZE) blanked world bronze medallist Nigina Sabirova (UZB) 6-0 to book her place in the final.
And in the women’s 76 kg category, the heavy-hitter Aiperi Medet Kyzy (KGZ) executed a flawless 10-0 technical superiority over Elmira Yasin (TUR) to advance to the gold-medal match.
Also worth noting: Nigeria’s Damola Ojo (NGR) impressed with a 10-0 semifinal win (over Wilita Pelagie of CMR) in the 76 kg women’s bracket, earning her title-shot.
The Underdog Story
Sayed Zazai’s path to the semi was remarkable. He defeated Yusuf Demir (TUR) and then edged out African champion Diamantino Iuna Fafe (GBS) 13-10 in the 57 kg freestyle quarter/round of 16. His run ended brutally against Bazarganov, but Zazai still secures a bronze-chance—which is a story in itself.
Sneak Peek at What’s Coming
Mammadova will face Esther Kolawale (NGR), who earlier defeated Selvi Ilyasoglu (TUR) 10-0 in the 62 kg women’s semifinal.
In the 76 kg women’s final: Aiperi Medet Kyzy (KGZ) vs Damola Ojo (NGR). Both stormed through their semis.
In men’s 65 kg, Rahman Amouzad (IRI) beat Ali Rahimzade (AZE) 7-0 to reach the final.
Day 3 of the wrestling programme at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (Riyadh) saw a mix of dominant favourites executing expected wins and dark-horse challengers making noise. Technical superiority wins such as 10-0 slips tell you the level of competition: when you’re beaten by ten clear points, there’s little margin.
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