Legendary Soviet coach discusses extreme training methods of Dagestani wrestlers

Yuri Shakhmuradov, longtime head coach of the Soviet national team, discussed the phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers in an interview, using Ruslan Ashuralieyv as an example. Ashuralieyv, a two-time world champion in 1974 and 1975, exemplified the extreme work ethic that became characteristic of Dagestani fighters. Shakhmuradov described how Ashuralieyv would run 28 kilometers from Makhachkala to the airport alone at 8 AM regularly, performing training loads that would seem impossible to modern athletes. He emphasized that the ability to endure suffering is the greatest phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers, building on the legacy of champions like Ali Aliev and Zagalav Abdulbekov. At the 2026 European Championship, Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals, continuing this tradition of excellence.