Soviet wrestling coach explains Dagestani dominance through extreme work ethic

Yuri Shakhmuradov, longtime head coach of the Soviet national wrestling team, discussed the phenomenon of Dagestani wrestlers using the example of Ruslan Ashuraliiev, a 1974 and 1975 world champion. Shakhmuradov explained that wrestlers like Ali Aliev (five-time world champion) and Zagalav Abdulbekov (Olympic champion) established a tradition showing that Dagestanis are capable of constant success. He attributes this to an extreme work ethic, citing Ashuraliiev's training regimen as an example that would seem insane by today's standards, including solo 28-kilometer runs from Makhachkala to the airport at 8 a.m. Shakhmuradov stated that the ability to endure suffering is the biggest factor behind Dagestani wrestling dominance. At the 2026 European Championship, Dagestani wrestlers won six gold medals.