TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iranian freestyle wrestling sensation Hassan Yazdani said his main objective is “nothing but to win the gold medal” at the upcoming World Wrestling Championship.
The world championship is to kick off in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, on December 12.
Yazdani, 25, a gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, last appeared in an international competition in September 2019, where he claimed a second world 86kg gold in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
A knee surgery and then the coronavirus pandemic – which has seen the majority of global sporting events still being halted since February – sidelined the Iranian for nearly 10 months before he returned to competitive wrestling in early October – representing Bazar-e Bozorg at Iran Premier Wrestling League.
“The league was a major boost for all Iranian wrestlers, both financially and fitness wise, as I tested my own vigor. A wrestling bout could put you some 20 days ahead [of your schedule],” said the four time world gold medalist.
Yazdani, who is back in training with at national team, added, “Wrestling competitions were suspended for seven months due to the coronavirus and we all had to train individually. Fortunately, I’m in good conditions and hope to reach full fitness until the world championship.”
Hailing the Iranian federation’s efforts in providing all hygiene requirements at the national team training camp, Yazadani said, “We observe all health protocols during training and all athletes are forbidden from leaving the camp.”
- source : Iran Daily
