Amid intense matches at the world level in the 67 kg weight category in Budapest, the name of Saeid Esmaeili from Iran became the focus of special attention. Esmaeili earned the right to compete in the Paris Olympics by defeating his compatriot Mohammadreza Gerai twice in decisive bouts.
It seemed that after a dramatic loss to Luis Orta in the semifinals, Esmaeili had lost his chance at the Olympics, and Mohammad Reza Gerai would represent Iran in Paris. However, Iranian coaches decided to hold two matches between the wrestlers right in Budapest after the tournament ended.
On June 9th, the competitions in the 67 kg weight category began in Budapest, promising to be spectacular and filled with exciting matches. Kyotaro Sogabe from Japan sought revenge for his defeat at the World Championship, and Esmaeili had a chance to qualify for the Olympics if he could beat Gerai. Leri Abuladze from Georgia was also a contender for this spot.
However, Cuban Orta dominated the tournament, winning gold and becoming one of the favorites for the Olympic Games in Paris. He started his journey with an 8-0 victory over David Manik from Hungary, then won against Kyotaro Sogabe with a score of 7-1, and reached the semifinals against Esmaeili. At this stage, no one expected Esmaeili to pose a serious challenge to the world champion.
An Incredible Battle Against Orta
Esmaeili began the semifinals with a lightning attack, leading 7-0 in the first period. He was just one step away from victory, but Orta managed to stay in the match, starting the second period with a successful attack that earned him four points. At the end of the match, with 10 seconds left, Orta almost gave up, and Esmaeili began celebrating his victory, turning towards his corner. However, Orta, realizing that time had not yet expired, rushed at Esmaeili and threw him for four points, winning the match with a score of 9-7.
Esmaeili was devastated and needed support to leave the mat. He thought his Olympic dream was over.
A Comeback and Victory Over Gerai
Despite the loss to Orta, Esmaeili gathered himself and returned for the evening session, where he needed to defeat Gerai twice to secure a spot on Iran's Olympic team. Esmaeili managed to overcome Kyotaro Sogabe with a result of 6-5, while Gerai defeated Andres Montano from Ecuador with a score of 3-3, securing a place in the bronze medal bout.
In the decisive matches for the Olympic quota, Esmaeili needed to win twice in a row against Gerai. He achieved this, winning 6-0 and 6-4, ensuring his place on Iran's national team and a chance for a rematch with Orta at the Paris Olympics.
Disgraceful victory of the Luis Orta Sanchez at the Budapest Tournament (video)
