MINSK, 11 April (BelTA) – Belarusian freestyle wrestler Ali Shabanov (-86kg weight category) clinched bronze at the 2019 European Wrestling Championship in Bucharest, Romania, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian defeated Murad Suleymanov of Azerbaijan 11-2 to take bronze. In the qualifying round Ali Shabanov lost to Russia's Vladislav Valiyev who later advanced to the final. Thanks to the rival's success, Ali Shabanov came through the repechage to beat the athletes from Greece and San Marino.
Ali Shabanov's medal is the second one for Belarus at the 2019 European Wrestling Championship in Bucharest. Earlier, Aleksandr Hushtyn won the men's 97kg silver. Ali Shabanov is a many-time bronze medalist of the world championships.
Freestyle, women's and Greco-Roman wrestling will make part of the 2nd European games. Athletes will compete in 18 medal events at the Minsk Sports Palace in June 2019.
