Former USSR coach discusses Dagestani wrestlers' legendary work ethic

Longtime USSR national team head coach Yuri Shakhmuradov discussed the phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers in an interview with Ushatayka, using Ruslan Ashuralieva as an example. Shakhmuradov explained that after Ali Aliev won five world championships and Zagalav Abdulbekov won the Olympics, Dagestani wrestlers established themselves as capable of achieving the highest levels. He emphasized that hard work was the foundation of their success. Shakhmuradov cited Ashuralieva's extreme training loads as an example, including solo 28-kilometer runs from Makhachkala to the airport at 8 AM. The coach stated that the ability to endure suffering is the biggest distinguishing feature of Dagestani wrestlers. The post notes that at the 2026 European Championship, Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals.