Soviet wrestling coach explains Dagestani success through extreme work ethic

Longtime Soviet national team head coach Yuri Shakhmuradov discussed the phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers, using five-time world champion Ruslan Ashuraliiev as an example. Shakhmuradov described Ashuraliiev's training loads as "beyond limits," including solo 28-kilometer runs from Makhachkala to the airport at 8 AM. He emphasized that the ability to endure extreme suffering is the biggest factor behind Dagestani wrestling dominance. The post notes that Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals at the 2026 European Championship. Shakhmuradov credited early champions like Ali Aliev and Zagalav Abdulbekov for establishing the standard of excellence.