Two-time Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling Abdulrashid Sadulaev captured the European Championship title for the first time since 2020. The Russian wrestling star returned to continental glory after a gap of several years. Ahmed Usmanov and David Baev also secured gold medals at the championship. This victory marks an important return to form for Sadulaev at the European level after focusing on other international competitions in recent years.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev reclaimed the European Championship title in freestyle wrestling on April 25, 2026, ending a six-year wait since his last continental crown in 2020. The two-time Olympic champion announced his return to the top of the European stage in commanding fashion, with compatriots Ahmed Usmanov and David Baev also taking gold medals at the championship.
Sadulaev has long been regarded as one of the dominant forces in international freestyle wrestling, having secured two Olympic titles across his career. His focus on other major international competitions in the intervening years had kept him away from continental glory, making this victory a notable milestone in his return to European competition.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's win signals a return to form at the European level after years away from continental competition
- Gold medals for Usmanov and Baev alongside Sadulaev underline the depth of Russian freestyle wrestling at this championship
- The victory adds a significant title back to Sadulaev's resume as he continues competing at the elite level
