Longtime head coach of the USSR national team, Yuri Shakhmuradov, explained the phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers using the example of Ruslan Ashuraliev, a two-time world champion. Shakhmuradov highlighted that the foundation was built by legends like Ali Aliyev and Zagalav Abdulbekov, who demonstrated what it takes to win at the highest levels. He described Ashuraliev's training regimen as extreme, including solo 28-kilometer runs from Makhachkala to the airport at 8 AM without any training partners. The coach emphasized that the ability to endure suffering is the greatest attribute of Dagestani wrestlers. At the 2026 European Championships, Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals, continuing their dominance.
