USSR coach explains Dagestani wrestling dominance through extreme work ethic

Former USSR national team head coach Yuri Shakmuradov discussed the phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers using Ruslan Ashuralieyev as an example. Shakmuradov explained that Ali Aliev showed how to win the world championship five times and Zagalav Abdulbekov demonstrated how to win the Olympics, establishing Dagestani capability in wrestling. He emphasized that the foundation was built on extraordinary work ethic, citing Ashuralieyev's extreme training loads including solo 28-kilometer runs from Makhachkala to the airport at 8 AM. Shakmuradov stated that the ability to endure is the biggest phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers. At the 2026 European Championship, Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals.