Freestyle wrestler Sadulayev said it was important for him to win the sixth world championship

Double Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulayev said that the sixth victory at the World Championship was of fundamental importance for him.

The World Championships in non-Olympic weight categories ended on Thursday in Tirana. Sadulayev defeated Georgian Mirian Maisuradze in the final and became a six-time world champion. In the first fight of the tournament, the Russian defeated Olympic champion and three-time world champion David Taylor of the United States. Russian athletes competed in neutral status during the tournament.

“It was such a fundamental world championship that I needed it as much as the Olympic Games. The last year was very difficult for me, now everything is behind me. Today I am very happy. I’m even happier that I was able to make all these people happy. The room was full, they were applauding, I felt this support. Especially yesterday, during the contraction, I remember how I felt the audience jump when I took the last step. Then they came up to me and thanked me. What’s better than that?

— Many people called your first fight of the tournament – against Taylor – an early final.

“The entire wrestling world and all the fans have been waiting for this fight for three or four years. According to the draw, we met in the first fight; I don’t care what battle we’re fighting. But for the public and the general development of our sport, it would undoubtedly be better to end up in the final.

— What goal do you set for yourself now?

“At the moment I just want to rest, come to my senses a little,” said Sadulayev, whose comment was published by the press service of the Russian Wrestling Federation.

Sadulaev, 28, is a two-time Olympic champion and four-time European champion.

More sports news in our telegram channel .