Legendary Soviet wrestling coach discusses Dagestani work ethic phenomenon

Longtime USSR national team head coach Yuri Shakhmuradov discussed the legendary work ethic of Dagestani wrestlers in an interview, using world champion Ruslan Ashuraliiev as an example. Shakhmuradov described how Ashuraliiev would run 28 kilometers alone from Makhachkala to the airport at 8 AM as regular training, loads so extreme that people today would think it insane. He emphasized that the ability to endure suffering is the greatest phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers, a tradition built on the examples of five-time world champion Ali Aliev and Olympic champion Zagalav Abdulbekov. The interview contextualizes Dagestan's continued dominance, noting that Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals at the 2026 European Championships. Shakhmuradov's comments provide historical perspective on the region's wrestling culture and its influence on modern combat sports.