Zaman leads Bahrain charge in beach wrestling debut

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s young wrestlers made their mark yesterday in the beach wrestling competitions of the third Asian Youth Games, held at Sama Bay in Sakhir. Competing across four divisions, the national squad showed promise against a strong field representing some of Asia’s most established wrestling nations.

In the Boys’ 90kg Group B, Ali Zaman opened his campaign in style, defeating Thailand’s Suphawat Soprakhon for a 4–0 victory by fall in his first bout. The Bahraini showed sharp technique and composure to end the contest quickly in the opening period. Zaman later faced India’s Arjun Ruhil, who went on to claim the gold medal in the category. Despite a strong effort, Zaman was stopped 4–0 by fall, closing his run in the group stage.

In the Boys’ 70kg Group B, Abdulla Qahtan fought well through two matches but was defeated by Idris Bakhromov of Tajikistan (2–0, technical superiority) and later by Iran’s Sina Shokouhi, who went on to capture gold in the event.

Meanwhile, in the Boys’ 60kg qualifying round, Aseel Al Mutawa put on a spirited performance but fell just short against Thailand’s Suriyan Songmueangsuk, losing 2–1 by technical superiority.

On the girls’ side, Sajoud Jadia competed in the 55kg Group B bout against the Philippines’ Ella Rosario Olaso, where she was defeated 4–0 by fall. Olaso advanced to the semifinals en route to a bronze medal finish. Iran’s Mohammadmahdi Fotouhi captured the Boys’ 90kg gold, with Arjun Ruhil of India taking silver and Saudi Arabia’s Waleed Saeed securing bronze to round off the day’s podiums.

The beach wrestling competition concluded yesterday, marking the end of grappling events at Sama Bay for the third Asian Youth Games.