The Iranian U20 men’s freestyle wrestling team finished in fourth place at the World Junior Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, securing two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, a result that drew criticism even from media outlets supportive of Alireza Dabir, president of the Wrestling Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The World Junior Wrestling Championships took place from August 16 to 23, 2026, in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. According to United World Wrestling, over 650 wrestlers from 66 countries participated across three disciplines: men’s freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling.
At the conclusion of the men’s freestyle competition, the United States claimed the championship title with four gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, accumulating 205 points. Russia finished second with two golds, two silvers, three bronzes, and 155 points, while Japan placed third with one gold, two silvers, three bronzes, and 130 points. Iran finished fourth overall with 103 points.
For Iran, Sina Khalili and Abolfazl Mohammadnejad won gold medals, Abolfazl Rahmani secured a silver, and Ahoura Khateri claimed a bronze.
Even Mizan News Agency, the media outlet affiliated with the Islamic Republic’s Judiciary and considered a supporter of Alireza Dabir, criticized the Iranian team’s performance, describing the 102-point gap behind the United States as “a serious alarm bell for the future of Iranian wrestling.”
