Two-time Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling Abdulrashid Sadulaev won the European Championship for the first time since 2020. The victory marks a significant achievement for the decorated wrestler after several years without a European title. Also earning gold medals at the championship were Akhmed Usmanov and David Baev. The Russian wrestlers demonstrated strong performances at the continental competition. Further details about specific matches or weight classes are not provided in the brief announcement.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev claimed the European freestyle wrestling championship title on April 25, 2026, ending a six-year drought at the continental level that stretched back to his last European gold in 2020.
The victory is a notable milestone for Sadulaev, who is widely regarded as one of the most decorated wrestlers of his generation. A two-time Olympic champion, he has spent recent years without a European title to his name despite remaining a dominant force on the international wrestling circuit. The championship win signals a return to the top of the continental standings for the Russian.
Sadulaev was not alone in bringing gold back for Russia at the competition. Akhmed Usmanov and David Baev also earned gold medals at the championship, underlining the strength of the Russian freestyle wrestling contingent at the event.
Why it matters
- Sadulaev's European title drought began after 2020, making this win a significant marker in his competitive timeline
- Multiple Russian gold medals at the championship reinforces the country's continued presence at the top of European freestyle wrestling
- The victory keeps Sadulaev relevant heading into future major international competitions at the Olympic and World Championship level
Specific weight classes and individual match details were not included in the official announcement surrounding the results.
