In a remarkable acknowledgement of emerging talent in the world of wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW) has announced Georgios Kougioumtsidis, Antim, and Hasrat Jafarov as the Rising Stars of 2023, celebrating their exceptional achievements in the sport.
Georgios Kougioumtsidis, representing Greece, has been a force to reckon with, especially at the 2023 World Championships. He claimed victory at the U23 Europeans, secured silver at the senior Europeans, and showcased his prowess in Belgrade, earning him the title in Freestyle. His remarkable performance at the Olympic weight of 74kg, including victories over notable athletes like Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov and Tajmuraz Salkazanov, further solidified his reputation as a future star.
Antim, a sensational talent in women’s wrestling, has had a phenomenal year. The young Indian wrestler made a striking debut at the senior Asian Championships, where she won a silver medal. She defended her U20 world title and bagged a bronze at the World Championships at 53kg. In a remarkable display of skill and composure, she defeated top competitors like Dom Parrish, Roksana Zasina, and Jonna Malmgren. Her achievement in Belgrade was historic, making her the youngest Indian to win a medal at the World Championships. She continued her success by securing a bronze at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Hasrat Jafarov, from Azerbaijan, has emerged as a prodigious talent in Greco-Roman wrestling. At just 20 years old, he has already made significant strides, marked by a silver medal at the World Championships in the 67kg category. Jafarov’s journey to stardom includes his first European title and a gold at the Ranking Series, positioning him as a prime contender for the Paris Olympics. His victories over wrestlers like Kristizan Vancza, Mohammadreza Geraei, and Slavik Galstyan highlight his potential and skill at a young age.
