World Championships 2026: Greco-Roman Entries
World Championships 2026: Greco-Roman Wrestling Ready for Astana
The Greco-Roman Wrestling competition at the World Championships 2026 is set to open the action in Astana, Kazakhstan, with some of the world’s best wrestlers entering the tournament. Nearly 300 wrestlers are expected to compete across 10 weight classes, with 40 medals up for grabs. The championships will run from October 24 to November 1.
Eight World Champions Return for Wrestling Glory
The wrestling field features plenty of experience, with eight world champions returning to defend their titles. However, three divisions — 60kg, 63kg and 130kg — are guaranteed to produce new world champions, adding another layer of excitement to the competition.
At 63kg, defending champion Aytjan Khalmakhanov has entered the 67kg category this time, leaving the 63kg crown open. The 67kg field also includes his fellow world-class competitors, including Azerbaijan’s Hasrat Jafarov and Cuba’s Olympic champion Luis Orta.
India Wrestling Entries Add Interest
India will also have representatives across several Greco-Roman weight classes. Lalit is entered at 55kg, while Sahil will compete at 60kg. India’s entries also include Sunny Kumar at 63kg, Sachin Sahrawat at 67kg and Anil at 72kg.
India’s experienced names continue with Sunil Kumar at 87kg and Nitesh at 97kg. At 130kg, Joginder Rathee will carry India’s challenge in the heavyweight division.
Riza Kayaalp Returns to the Wrestling Stage
The heavyweight 130kg category has a major name in Riza Kayaalp, who is among the notable entries. The Turkish veteran will face a competitive field that includes Georgia’s Sulkhan Buidze, Ukraine’s Mykhailo Vyshnyvetskyi and USA’s Cohlton Schultz.
A 10-Category Battle for World Medals
With 10 weight classes, nearly 300 wrestlers and 40 medals, the World Championships 2026 promises a packed wrestling competition in Astana. The entries are still subject to change until 72 hours before the respective draws, but the initial list already features Olympic champions, world champions and emerging contenders.
For Greco-Roman Wrestling, Astana will be more than another championship. With three divisions guaranteed to crown new champions, the tournament could create several new names in the world wrestling spotlight.
