UWW

Finished 3rd at final world Olympic qualifying tournament, but was upgraded to 2nd due to doping violation by Sumit MALIK (IND) to earn ticket to second career Olympics. Had lost to Malik 2-2 in qualification round, but won two repechage matches by fall, then beat Jose DIAZ ROBERTTI (VEN) 7-5 for bronze medal. Also placed 3rd at Asian Olympic qualifier, losing to Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL) 8-2 in quarterfinals....One week after Asian qualifier at same Almaty venue, completed "set" of Asian medals by winning silver, losing 4-3 to Oleg BOLTIN (KAZ) in final. Was Asian champion in 2015 with victory in final over Komeil GHASEMI (IRI), who became Rio 2016 silver medalist. Was bronze medalist in 2010, 2013 and 2016....In 2020, won bronze medal at Individual World Cup. Lost 6-0 to Robert BARAN (POL) in semifinals, beat Jamaladdin MAGOMEDOV (AZE) 11-0 for bronze... Has appeared at six World Championships (most recently 2017), with highest finish of 10th in 2015...At Rio 2016 Olympics, lost 5-1 to Baran in 1st round...Father and older brother were wrestlers, followed them into the sport...Born in Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in Russia. Father worked in Ministry of Internal Affairs, mother was a physics teacher...Accepted offer to compete for Kyrgyzstan over one from Ukraine in 2008.