The 97kg Greco-Roman division at the 2026 U23 European Wrestling Championships delivered a gripping final as Ukraine’s rising talent Yehor Yakushenko clinched the gold medal after a hard-fought victory over Belarusian wrestler Abubakar Khaslakhanau.
Competing in Zrenjanin, Serbia, Yakushenko displayed tactical maturity and composure beyond his years to win the final 2–1, sealing one of the most closely contested bouts of the Greco-Roman tournament.
A Tactical Final Decided by Fine Margins
The gold-medal clash started cautiously, with both wrestlers carefully studying each other’s movement. Yakushenko gained the early advantage through a passivity point, forcing Khaslakhanau onto the defensive.
Although the Belarusian pushed aggressively in the second period, Yakushenko held firm with disciplined defense and smart positioning. When the final whistle sounded, the Ukrainian’s narrow lead remained intact, earning him the European U23 title in the 97kg category.
Speaking after the bout, Yakushenko reflected on the tough contest:
“Every match at this level is difficult. I knew the final would be decided by small details, so I stayed focused and trusted my preparation.”
Dominant Path to the Final
Yakushenko’s journey to gold was far from easy. Throughout the tournament he overcame a series of strong opponents, including wrestlers from traditional Greco-Roman powerhouses such as Georgia, Germany, and Serbia.
Each victory showcased his balance of strength, control, and tactical awareness—qualities that have quickly made him one of the most promising young wrestlers in Europe.
A Rising Force in Greco-Roman Wrestling
Still early in his career, Yakushenko has already built an impressive résumé. The Ukrainian prospect previously captured U20 world and European titles and has continued his upward trajectory at the U23 level.
His triumph in Zrenjanin further strengthens his reputation as a future contender on the senior international stage.
Many wrestling analysts believe Yakushenko could soon challenge the established elite of Greco-Roman wrestling.
As one coach at the event remarked:
“Yakushenko has the mindset of a champion. If he continues progressing like this, we will see him fighting for medals at the biggest global events.”
With the 97kg gold medal now around his neck, the young Ukrainian has taken another significant step toward that goal.
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