At the U20 World Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, Hungary achieved commendable success in Greco-Roman wrestling, securing three medals. László Koppány led the charge with a silver medal, while Zalán Toplak and Petro Zsitovoz each earned bronze. This impressive performance highlighted Hungary’s strong presence in the wrestling arena.
Competing in the 130kg class, Koppány demonstrated exceptional skill by advancing to the finals after defeating competitors from China, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Egypt. However, in the gold-medal match, he faced Russia’s formidable Ali Ilyasov, the reigning world and European champion, and concluded the competition with a silver medal following an 8–0 bout.
Zalán Toplak, representing Ferencváros, excelled in the 77kg category. After entering the repechage, he secured a bronze medal with a decisive 10–2 victory against Georgia’s Giorgi Gogelashvili. This achievement marked Toplak’s first career medal at a World Championship, signifying a breakthrough moment for the young wrestler.
In the 67kg division, Petro Zsitovoz clinched bronze by toppling Egypt’s U23 world champion Mohamed Abdelrehim. Overcoming an early setback, Zsitovoz dominated the placement match with an 11–3 score, underscoring his resilience and tactical prowess on the mat.
The championships opened with Greco-Roman wrestling, showcasing the talents of eight Hungarian athletes among the nation’s 22-member delegation. Hungary’s medal haul reflects the country’s dedication to nurturing wrestling talent and achieving excellence on the international stage.
