Uzbekistan's Rustam Assakalov Triumphs in Men's Greco-Roman Wrestling 97kg 1/8 Final

On August 6, 2024, the Champ-de-Mars Arena witnessed a thrilling showdown in the Men's Greco-Roman 97kg 1/8 Final, where Rustam Assakalov from Uzbekistan faced off against Kevin Mejia Castillo of Honduras. The match, filled with intense action and strategic maneuvers, showcased the high stakes of Olympic wrestling.

Rustam Assakalov, a seasoned athlete born on July 13, 1984, came into the match with a clear strategy. He dominated the first period, scoring 4 points while successfully defending against Mejia Castillo's attacks, who managed to score only 0 at that time. The second period saw a mix of aggression and tactical wrestling as Assakalov continued to apply pressure, ultimately finishing the match with a final score of 5-3.

Assakalov's performance was marked by a total of 5 technical points and 3 classification points, whereas Mejia Castillo, despite his efforts, could only accumulate 3 technical points and 1 classification point. The match concluded with Assakalov's victory (W), marking a significant step towards his Olympic aspirations.

The refereeing team, including Asif Shiraliyev from Azerbaijan, Zaza Jibladze from Georgia, and Belkacem Trai from Algeria, ensured a fair contest, upholding the integrity of Olympic wrestling.

With this win, Assakalov advances from the 1/8 Final, showcasing not only his athletic prowess but also his ability to perform under pressure. As the Olympics continue in Paris, all eyes will be on this talented wrestler as he aims for gold in the upcoming rounds.