Ilyas Bekbulatov’s decision to change his sporting nationality has brought him more benefits than one. Nicknamed as “Kumyk Nightmare”, he was born as a Russian but decided to play for Uzbekistan. Since, Rashidov Gazdhimurad dominated the 65kg weight class across the world for Russia, there was little hope for Bekbulatov to be a regular in the national team.
The change has helped the Russian-born Uzbek to prove his worth to the world. Bekbulatov won gold at the recently concluded Asian Championships in New Delhi in 70kg (non-Olympic) category and now eyes an Olympics berth. In order to be eligible to compete at next month’s Asian Olympic Qualifiers, he has decided to change his weight class to 65kg.
“(I) Will play in the 65kg for the Olympics,” Bekbulatov told WrestlingTV after winning gold at the continental event. The announcement to change his weight category is not good news for India’s Olympic medal hopes Bajrang Punia.
Bajrang is going to face stiff competition from already qualified Russian Gadzhimurad Rashidov, Japanese Takuto Otoguro, Kazakhstan’s Daulet Niyazbekov. If Bekbulatov qualifies for the Summer Games he will be another challenger in the fray for Olympic gold.
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Bajrang who has qualified for the Olympics in the 65kg freestyle category lost his gold medal bout at the recently concluded continental meet to Otoguro. He struggled to keep up with the Japanese wrestler’s agility and defensive prowess and in the process ended up tiring himself. Weak links in his leg defense and restricted movement on the mat can trouble him against Bekbulatov too.
The Uzbek-Russian is known for his ground defense and speed on the mat and does not sigh away from dominating the game if an opportunity arises. His cold-demeanor instils fear in opponents’ heart even before the match begins, while Punia’s struggle on the mat against a superior opponent is a curious affair. If Ilyas qualifies and ends up with a match with Bajrang, Bajrang will have to really pull out a trick or two out of his hat.
