Men’s 65kg freestyle is probably the most competitive weight class in the world and Russia’s Gadhzimurda Rashidov is currently its undisputed champion. The 24-year-old wrestler is the 2019 world champion and is eyeing his first Olympic medal when the Games land in Tokyo next year. However, his two biggest hurdles standing in his quest for Olympic glory are Japan’s Asian champion Takuto Otoguro and India’s thrice world medallist Bajrang Punia. But the achievements of the two opponents do not scare the Russian champion.
G. Rashidov??65kg -???(Worlds) considers Otoguro?? is strongest rival in #Tokyo2020 and as for Bajrang?? Rashidov
hopes he wouldn’t be a problem also he thinks Bajrang’s wrestling is comfy for him. Rescheduling of OG is not good for him but he will be prepared for everything. pic.twitter.com/i6f0LCZRCC— Ivan_FSwrestling (@sikom_d) June 10, 2020
Rashidov and Bajrang have never competed against each other and taking into consideration the current UWW rankings it is highly unlikely the two will meet in the early rounds of the Tokyo Games. Nonetheless, despite this, the Russian wrestler has kept a close watch on his Indian counterpart. He says: “Bajrang, of course, is a strong fighter, but it seems to me that he is a convenient opponent for me. I know his weaknesses and I don’t think I will have a big problem when we fight. He is too comfy for me,” reported Wrestling Russia. While Rashidov is currently No.1 in the UWW rankings, Bajrang is ranked second with just one point difference.
On Otoguro too, the Russian says that although the Japanese wrestler is technically strong, “I beat him at the 2018 World Cup 8-1”. Rashidov has confined the 65kg berth for Tokyo Olympics but with the Summer Games postponed he says that it was disappointing. “Four years ago, I dreamt of getting to the Olympics. I was heartbroken when it got deferred. But what to do, if it was destined”.
Rashidov is eagerly waiting to return to the mat when the national camp resumes. He says that before it was scheduled for this month (June) but now there are chances that it will resume next month.
Is Rashidov the best option for Russia in 65kg?
Interestingly, while Rashidov is a top contender to fly to Tokyo but he still has to overcome the Soslan Ramonov challenge before he can make it happen. Ramonov is the current Olympic champion in the 65kg weight category but has been missing from any major competitions since 2016. However, the 29-year-old still has won many domestic competitions in the past four years. In order for Rashidov to go to Tokyo, he has to win the Russian Championship.
The 24-year-old will be the defending champion when the tournament takes place. He is also two-time European champion and three-time world medallist.