TEHRAN – After a long four-year absence from the pinnacle of international wrestling, Mohammadhadi Saravi has successfully reclaimed the title of world champion. This achievement comes after a series of notable successes, including gold at the Paris Olympics, although he hadn’t triumphed on the world stage since 2021.
In a thrilling 97kg final at the World Championships held in Zagreb, Saravi secured victory against Artur Sargsyan, winning 3-1. His win was marked by an early takedown, setting the tone for a match that demonstrated both strategy and skill. “In my opinion, this tournament wasn’t easy at all; it was one of the most exciting and diverse competitions I’ve ever been part of,” Saravi remarked. He acknowledged the higher level of competition and surprising performances from various wrestlers throughout the event.
Following his previous gold medal in Oslo in 2021, Saravi faced challenges in the subsequent world championships in 2022 and 2023, where he settled for bronze after narrowly missing the finals both times. However, he experienced a resurgence at the Paris Olympics, where he defeated seasoned rival Artur Aleksanyan to add an Olympic gold to his already impressive collection, which includes a bronze from Tokyo 2021. Additionally, he maintained a dominant presence in the Asian Championships, clinching gold for three consecutive years leading up to this season.
In Zagreb, Saravi’s path to the final was marked by controlled matches, winning his earlier bouts with scores of 4-0, 1-1, and 3-1. This facilitated a confident progression to the final match, free from complications or major setbacks. “In this weight class, the champions are among the greats of wrestling: Artur Aleksanyan, the Cuban Rosillo, and of course, my final opponent, Artur Sargsyan, who is a very well-known and skillful wrestler,” he said, highlighting the caliber of his competitors.
The final against Sargsyan was particularly significant as it was a rematch of their early meeting in the 2021 World Championships, where Saravi had also emerged victorious. Reflecting on his tactics, he credited a thorough analysis conducted with his coaching team, which helped him strategize effectively for the final. “I had wrestled [Sargsyan] twice before, and with the strategies we had, I managed to beat him. Thankfully, this time, too, I was able to execute my plans perfectly on the mat and win the match,” he noted.
In contemplating his previous performances, Saravi acknowledged areas that needed improvement. “I think in the two World Championships where I won bronze, I had some technical weaknesses,” he said, expressing satisfaction in having addressed these issues prior to the Olympics. His focus now remains on enhancing his skills for future competitions. “I hope I can keep improving for the upcoming tournaments and continue winning big medals,” he concluded, hinting at his determined aspirations for continued success in the sport.
