From Harvard to Hangzhou - Uzbek wrestler targets Asian Games golden hat-trick

© Uzbekistan NOC
© Uzbekistan NOC

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, January 17, 2023: Two-time Asian Games champion Bekzod Abdurakhmonov has informed the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan that he will be available to challenge for a hat-trick of wrestling gold medals at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou this September.

Abdurakhmonov, who won a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has resumed work at Harvard University in the United States but has told the Uzbekistan NOC that he will still be available to represent the country at major competitions such as the Olympics and Asian Games.

Abdurakhmonov, 32, informed the Uzbekistan NOC: “My main task at Harvard University is coaching. I teach freestyle wrestling to university students and help them prepare for various competitions. At the same time, I will continue my work in the national team. According to a mutual agreement, I will be at the disposal of the national team to protect the honour of our country at major competitions.”

Abdurakhmonov won Asian Games gold medals at Incheon 2014 (70kg) and Jakarta-Palembang in 2018 (74kg). He also won bronze medals at the World Championships in 2014 and 2018.