Semen Novikov wins Greco-Roman wrestling world title in Astana

Olympic champion Semen Novikov claimed his first world title, defeating Iran’s Alireza Mohmadipiani in the final of the men’s Greco-Roman 87 kg category at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Born in Ukraine and competing for Bulgaria, Novikov defeated the same opponent in the Olympic final in Paris in 2024. Today, he was even more convincing. Novikov began the bout with an unsuccessful par terre attack, but later in the first period he managed to push his opponent out of the wrestling area to score another point. After the break, the Bulgarian added two more points to his tally to secure a 4-0 victory.

This is Bulgaria’s first world title in Greco-Roman wrestling since 2013, when Ivo Angelov became world champion.

Edited by Diana Tsankova