Islam Dudaev has secured a place in the final of the 65kg freestyle category at the European Wrestling Championships currently taking place in Tirana, Albania.
Competing at the Feti Borova Sports Hall, the wrestler representing Albania delivered a series of strong performances to advance confidently through the tournament. Dudaev, a Russo-Albanian athlete, demonstrated both technical skill and tactical control across all his matches leading up to the final.
In the qualification round, Dudaev faced Turkey’s Ahmet Duman and achieved a convincing 6–1 victory. He maintained dominance throughout the bout, setting the tone early in the competition. His performance highlighted his preparedness and composure on the European stage.
The quarterfinal saw a more competitive matchup against Georgia’s Nika Zakashvili. Despite the tighter contest, Dudaev managed to secure a 3–1 win. The bout showcased his resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, using precise technique and effective defense to control the match.
Dudaev continued his impressive run in the semifinal, where he defeated Islam Guseinov with a clean 4–0 scoreline. Guseinov, competing under the umbrella of the United World Wrestling due to restrictions on Russian participation following the war in Ukraine, was unable to break through Dudaev’s disciplined performance. The Albanian representative maintained full control, keeping his opponent scoreless and securing a decisive victory.
With this result, Dudaev advances to the final as one of the standout performers of the tournament. His journey to the gold medal match reflects consistency, strong technical execution, and strategic awareness.
The European Wrestling Championships in Tirana continue to draw attention as top athletes compete across various categories, with Dudaev now carrying Albania’s hopes for a podium finish in the 65kg freestyle division.