The 2018 World Champion in 70kg, Magomedrasul GAZIMAGOMEDOV of Russia has challenged two time world champion Zaurbek Sidakov in 74kg for a place in the Russian team for Tokyo 2020. Not only this Gazimagomedov has also pointed fingers on selection system in the Russian wrestling and has said the system is ’not transparent’. In the recently concluded Ivan Yariguin Grand Prix, 29 year old Gazimagomedov won the 74kg gold in the loaded field in Krasnoyarsk to stake a claim in the Russian team.
Gazimagomedov made his second appearance down at 74kg in the last 19 months and captured back-to-back Ivan Yariguin titles. The two-time 70kg world champion, made his ascent to 74kg starting at last year’s Russian National Championships, nabbed a notable 10-0 win over 2014 world champion Khetig TSABOLOV (RUS), then edged reigning U23 world champion Razambek ZHAMALOV (RUS), 3-1, in the finals. But Gazimagomedov is still upset as he is not getting a shot at Sidakov who withdrew from the event at the last minute.
Gazimagomedov said. “In Russia, many understand that I will win against Sidakov, but perhaps we will not be allowed to meet on the mat because we don’t have a very transparent selection system.”
The two time world champion in 2015 & 2018 is now expecting that at-least he should get a chance to compete at the European Championships.
“I was fine-tuned as it was time to declare myself for the Olympic Games. I hope that I will be taken to the European Championships at-least” said Gazimagomedov