ОVATION, edition № 3
CHOICE OF THE STRONG |
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WRESTLING IS THE CHOICE OF THE STRONGTHE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2026 IVAN YARYGIN CUP WAS HELD WITH PACKED STANDS
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Tickets for the program, where the tournament's first medals will be awarded, sold out several days before the competition began. The tournament, which attracted a record number of participants, including many world-class stars, generated enormous interest not only among Siberian fans. Entire delegations came from Dagestan, Yakutia, and other regions.
Then the opening fanfare. The light show blares with the current tournament's slogan, "The Choice of the Strong."
Now the words floated across the carpet: "To be strong and courageous now is our destiny. You create your future here and now, in this moment, in struggle. And wrestling is the choice of the strong."
With its vibrant costumes and playful lighting, the opening ceremony of the tournament was truly spectacular. According to spectators, it was a true concert. The idea of the entire ceremony was that the tournament was being held with a focus on the past and aspirations for the future. It's no coincidence that all the musical and dance numbers at the opening were performed by children's and youth groups, and the wrestling moves were demonstrated by young athletes—representatives of the future of both the region and the country.
Their performances were accompanied by a screening of archival newsreels. Large screens showed wrestling matches featuring the legendary Ivan Yarygin, his triumphant victories, and historic black-and-white footage, a reminder of the tournament's main inspiration.
No less touching was the moment of honoring Natalia Yarygina, rightly called the soul of the competitions. The spectators gave her a standing ovation expressing gratitude. The successor to Ivan Yarygin's legacy was also presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation.
It was time for the welcoming speeches. The following took the stage: the Governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory Mikhail Kotyukov, three-time Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling champion Aleksandr Karelin, Deputy Minister of Sport of Russia Aleksey Morozov, and President of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili.
"The tournament has become a true source of pride for Siberia," noted Mikhail Kotyukov, head of the region, in his speech. "It is one of the most exciting events in the world of wrestling. In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, I wish that every athlete, upon entering the mat, begins their match with a firm handshake as a symbol of friendship, honesty, and unity. I wish that every athlete at the Yarygin tournament will meet a worthy opponent, improve their professional skills, and take away a piece of Siberian energy and the Russian soul."
The highlight of the ceremony was the welcoming parade of the participating countries for the 2026 Ivan Yarygin Cup, which was introduced in two languages – Russian and English – to a standing ovation from the audience. Twenty flags flew over the Sports Palace carpets.
Then the Russian national anthem began to play proudly, after which the 37th Yarygin Cup tournament was officially declared open.
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"I WON, JUST LIKE YOU!"
It's a tradition to lay flowers at the monument to the tournament's founder on the official opening day. A tribute to two-time Olympic champion Ivan Sergeyevich Yarygin.
There were no official speeches. Songs dedicated to freestyle wrestling and Ivan Yarygin were performed. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the famous champion, coach, and director.
And then a line of people with flowers in their hands began to form. Some knew him personally, others from stories and even legends. Not only from Krasnoyarsk, but from all over Russia. There were also those who came with their children, introducing them not only to the history of freestyle wrestling but also to the history of Russia.
The first to carry flowers to the base, as is also tradition, is Natalia Yarygina, the wife,the ally, and the successor to the work of her husband, First Vice President of the Federation of Sports Wrestling of Russia, and President of the Ivan Yarygin Foundation.
Joining her in the ceremony are Deputy Minister of Sport Alexei Morozov, three-time Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling champion Aleksandr Karelin, Minister of Sport of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Denis Petrovsky, and others.
… Light snow swirls in the air. It settles on the men's bare heads, on the petals of freshly laid flowers, on the bronze shoulders of the gigantic figure of a Siberian hero.
One of the wrestlers, already leaving, suddenly turns around and, bowing his head, stubbornly declares: "Tomorrow I will fight to the end, just like you always did."
Who knows, maybe tomorrow he will come back, flash his medal and say: “I`ve won, just like you!”
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AN EXHIBITION ABOUT NATALIA AND IVAN
The Krasnoyarsk Sports Museum has prepared a special exhibition for the 2026 Ivan Yarygin Cup. It's dedicated to the marriage of Ivan and Natalia Yarygin.
The exhibition is called "The Choice of the Strong." This year's tournament is held under the same slogan.
The exhibition organizers used objects to recreate the atmosphere of the time when the Yarygins enjoyed their happy family life. For example, on display is a Soviet record player (incidentally, a similar one was the reason Ivan and Natalia first met), a fishing rod reminiscent of Ivan Sergeyevich's hobby, and a white baby sock—the same one that belonged to his little daughter, which he took with him to competitions as a lucky charm. The exhibition also features numerous family photographs, Ivan Yarygin's medals, Natalia Alekseyevna's awards, as well as quotes from her interviews and from a book about her husband.
There's a well-known saying that behind every successful man stands a great woman. For Ivan Yarygina, that woman was his wife, Natalia. During his lifetime, she was his support, a source of inspiration and after his death she continued his legacy. She personally participates in organizing the international Ivan Yarygina Cup and comes to Krasnoyarsk for the tournament every year.
On the exhibition's opening day, January 30, Natalya Alekseyevna also visited. At the grand opening, she thanked its creators: "This is very touching for me. Thank you, Krasnoyarsk residents, for preserving the memory of Ivan Yarygin."
Tournament participants and guests can view the exhibition in the second-floor lobby of the Ivan Yarygin Sports Palace. It will remain open after the competition and will be accessible to the public until the end of March.
SEVEN BY SEVEN, FOUR TO THREE |
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On Friday, January 30, seven representatives from Russia and seven from foreign countries competed in the first seven finals of the 2026 Ivan Yarygin Cup. Russia won four gold medals, while the rest of the world won three. North Korea, Mongolia, and Belarus each earned one gold medal.
- Champion's Somersault
World Champion Won Men Chon of North Korea (50 kg) immediately began searching for weaknesses in Belarusian Natalia Varakina's defense – and found none. She led only 1-0 after the first period due to her activity. But in the second period, the Korean finally overwhelmed her opponent: first, she beautifully took the opponent's legs, then scored two more points for a behind-the-back pass. The final score was a comfortable 5-1. Varakina, it should be noted, performed very well defensively, but showed absolutely nothing offensively.
The charming Won Men Chon also easily shattered Western stereotypes about the supposed taboo on human expression in North Korea. She performed several beautiful somersaults specially for the spectators, which completely captivated the Krasnoyarsk audience.
- Early victory
The bout between Alexandra Skirenko and Laura Almaganbetova of Kazakhstan (55 kg) was a close contest. Late in the first period, the Russian scored a powerful attack winning four points.
Laura began the second period aggressively and reduced the score to a minimum of 3:4. The situation forced her to seek her chances through risky moves and in one of them she was caught in a counterattack. Skirenko found herself in a better position and finished her opponent off with a touche.
- Having withstood the initial onslaught
The former Russian wrestler Viktoria Khusainova, now representing Kazakhstan, began her final bout against Svetlana Lipatova (59 kg) with her usual assertive style. Viktoria kept coming forward, but after the first period, the score was in the experienced Russian's favor (2:1), who caught her opponent on the counterattack.
In the second period, Khusainova continued to push forward tenaciously, but time was against her: the longer the match went on, the less strength Victoria had left to break through the skilled defense. The score remained unchanged, and the tournament gold will travel to Kazan with Svetlana Lipatova.
- The hosts are goldless
Khanum Velieva looked like the favorite in the final against Belarusian Ksenia Terenia (65 kg), based on her accomplishments. In reality, she faced a particularly difficult opponent: the tall, long-armed Terenia kept Velieva at bay, and when she overreached, she punished her with effective counterattacks. The decorated Krasnoyarsk athlete was unable to get close to the Belarusian and suffered a somewhat shocking 3-7 defeat.
Krasnoyarsk Territory was definitely counting on gold in this weight class. After all, the national champion, Dinara Kudayeva, was also competing in this weight class, but the day before, she lost—surprise, surprise—to the very same Ksenia Tereni.
- A Life-Saving Challenge
The final between Munkh-Erdene Bakhtuyag and Musa Mekhtikhanov (57 kg) was a fiery affair. The Russian champion seemed to be more active, but the Mongolian athlete was alert and counterattacked effectively. Such a tangle of bodies formed on the mat that only the tournament's experienced judges could discern who had won.
Bakhtuyag was leading 7-4 at the end. Mekhtikhanov went on the attack, landed a hold, and tried to spin it further. The referee on the mat awarded him two plus two points, and the scoreboard lit up – 7-8. The Mongolians immediately took up the challenge – and with success: it was discovered that Mekhtikhanov hadn't completed his second hold. Two points were taken away from the Russian, and the victory went to Bakhtuyag.
- A Powerful Start
Chermen Tavitov stunned Kezhik Mongush (61 kg), taking a 4-0 lead early in the bout. The first two points were scored less than 10 seconds into the bout.
The two wrestlers then took a brief break and then displayed exceptionally inventive attacking tactics. The final score was a resounding 7-4, with Tavitov's powerful start decisively determining the outcome.
- Title Defense
The 70 kg final featured experienced athletes. Last year's winner, David Baev, was largely in control of the bout against Viktor Rassadin.
The tight 8-6 scoreline may be misleading, but Rassadin scored his final points at the very end, leaving him with no time to continue the attack.
David Baev continues to amass an impressive collection of awards at the Yarygin Cup – two gold medals in a row, and previously two silver medals and a bronze.
PEDESTAL Women ► 50 kg 1. Won Men Chon (DPRK), 2. Natalia Varakina (Belarus), 3. Valeria Tyukpiekova (Russia), 3. Aktenzhe Kunizhmaeva (Uzbekistan) ► 55 kg 1. Alexandra Skirenko (Russia), 2. Laura Almaganbetova (Kazakhstan), 3. Ekaterina Verbina (Russia), 3. Victoria Vaulina (Russia) ► 59 kg 1. Svetlana Lipatova (Russia), 2. Victoria Khusainova (Kazakhstan), 3. Bolortuya Khurelhuu (Mongolia), 3. Ulyana Tukurenova (Russia) ► 65 kg 1. Ksenia Terenya (Belarus), 2. Khanum Velieva (Russia), 3. Enkhzhin Tuvshinjargal (Mongolia), 3. Dinara Kudaeva (Russia) Men ► 57 kg 1. Munkh-Erdene Bathuyag (Mongolia), 2. Musa Mehtikhanov (Russia), 3. Han Chong Song (DPRK), 3. Aryyan Tyutrin (Belarus) ► 61 kg 1. Chermen Tavitov (Russia), 2. Kezhik Mongush (Russia), 3. Muslim Mehtikhanov (Russia), 3. Akhmed Khumidov (Russia) ► 70 kg 1. David Baev (Russia), 2. Viktor Rassadin (Tajikistan), 3. Magomed-emi Eltemirov (Russia), 3. Abdurakhman Dalgatov (Russia)
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THE MOST STRIKING IMPRESSIONS OF THE SECOND DAYOn Friday, January 30, preliminary bouts were held in two women's and three men's weight classes
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THE GREAT KOREAN WRESTLING
The DPRK team had two representatives each in the women's 53 and 57 kg categories. They reigned supreme on the Krasnoyarsk mats. Regulars recalled the Japanese and American wrestlers, who had previously been the highlights of the tournaments and, in some ways, mentors for the Russian athletes. The Koreans look even more powerful, combining Japanese speed and technique with the strength of the American athletes.
Most of their matches ended early. In the quarterfinals, for example, Tsoi Hye Gen destroyed Indian Aditi Kumari in less than a minute. Next, O ken Ren entered the fray and overcame Mongolia's Aryuzaia Odonchimeg in the same manner.
Of the seven Korean athletes, five achieved maximum results (two will compete today). Won Men -chon (50 kg) has already won gold, Tsoyoi Hye Gen and O ken Ren (53 kg), and Song Il Sim and Pkhol Hong (57 kg) will meet in the inter-squad finals today.
BRAZILIAN DEBUT
Krasnoyarsk spectators warmly welcomed Brazilian athlete Julia Rodrigues Penalber de Oliveira. This is the debut of the largest South American nation at the Cup of America.
Penalber will take home pleasant memories. During the tournament, she defeated two rather strong, diverse opponents who will be vying for a medal. The Brazilian proved to be one of the forerunners who managed to withstand the furious Korean onslaught: she lost to Prholong Holon in the semifinals with a respectable score (0:4) and even tried to impose the counterattack. No doubt, Penalber`s performance enriched the Yarygin Cup.
SURPRISES OF THE DAY
In the 65 kg category, 2021 World and European Champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov lost in the first round. However, the titled athlete faced a promising opponent: two-time World Youth Champion Bashir Magomedov. Abasgadzhi still has a chance to fight for bronze, as Bashir has advanced to the final.
In the super heavyweight division, the Yarygin Cup lost its three-time winner. In the quarterfinals, Zelimkhan Khizriev lost a tough fight to Russian champion and World Championship participant Abdulla Kurbanov. The score was tied, and Kurbanov won on a late move. But he, too, was eliminated from the finals, losing to Shamil Musaev (1-3).
But in the men's 79 kg category, there were no big surprises: the selected Akhmed Usmanov and Ismail Khaniev advanced to the final.
TODAY ARE THE FINALS Women's ► 53 kg Oh Ken Ren (DPRK) vs. Tsoi Hyo Gen (DPRK) ► 57 kg Son Il Sim (DPRK) vs. Pyol Hon (DPRK) Men's ► 65 kg Ibragim Ibragimov (Russia) vs. Bashir Magomedov (Russia) ► 79 kg Ismail Khaniev (Russia) vs. Akhmed Usmanov (Russia) ► 125 kg Shamil Musayev (Russia) vs. Khabib Davudgadzhiev (Russia) |
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"THANK YOU, KRASNOYARSK, FOR THIS TOURNAMENT" |
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Athletes and coaches discuss the 2026 Ivan Yarygin Cup, its significance, the damage done to the organization, and their achievements.
Chanchal Sirohi (50 kg quarterfinalist, India):
"This is my first time at the Yarygin tournament, my first time in Krasnoyarsk. It's a very nice city. I liked the people who surrounded me with care and attention. Thank you for the warm welcome – from the airport to the competition venue. The Sports Palace where the matches are taking place is amazing. The competitors were tough. I'd like to commend the organization of the competition – I give it a ten out of ten, everything was simply wonderful. I wish the Cup participants to show their best and give it their all. This is important for all athletes in any competition."
Ivan Yankovsky (coach, Belarus):
"The Ivan Yarygin Cup is traditionally held at the highest standard, and the organizers keep it to the highest level. It was a pleasure to be greeted at the airport by the competition's mascot bears, complete with music and an accordion. I've been to this tournament a dozen times already. In 2014, I won silver in the 97 kg weight class. I currently coach the Belarusian wrestling team. It's usually freezing here during the tournament, but the wrestling mats are always warm and exciting. The excitement in the fight for the medals often lingers until the very last second of the final bout."
Laura Almaganbetova (silver medalist in the 55 kg category, Kazakhstan):
"The Kazakhstan team arrived in Krasnoyarsk on January 12th, and we trained with wrestlers from Russia and Mongolia. We encountered freezing temperatures, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm from Kostanay, in northwestern Kazakhstan, and we also get temperatures down to -40°C. Everything was thought out down to the last detail at the competition itself. For example, a big thank you to the organizers for the water. It's not provided to athletes at all tournaments. It's very convenient that we have lunch right here at the Sports Palace. And the hotel is nearby, so we don't have to spend a lot of time traveling. As for the competition itself, the Yarygin tournament is a peak I want to conquer. I've tried twice, the first time was in 2020, and this year I reached the final. Well, there will be a third attempt."
Badrak Odonchimeg (coach, Mongolia):
"I'm currently the head coach of the Mongolian women's national team. I've been to Krasnoyarsk several times. The competitions are always held at the highest level, and they always attract strong wrestlers, which is very important for the participants. It's doubly nice to be at the Ivan Yarygin Cup, since we're practically neighbors. Thank you, Krasnoyarsk, for this tournament."
Gaadan Amarkhuu (coach, Mongolia):
"I first came to the Yarygin tournament in 2006 as an athlete. I competed on Krasnoyarsk mats until 2011. Although I didn't win any medals, I gained invaluable athletic experience. I also served as a referee at the tournament, and now I'm the head coach of the Mongolian wrestling team, training promising young wrestlers who are destined to participate in similar international competitions."