Japan’s Kiyooka Kotaro delivered a masterclass in the men’s 65kg freestyle wrestling final at Paris 2024. Securing a decisive 10-3 victory over Rahman Amouzadkhalili of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday, 11 August. The 23-year-old Kiyooka, making his Olympic debut, showcased his dominance by earning all 10 points in the opening period. Leaving the 2022 world champion Amouzadkhalili with no opportunity to stage a comeback.
Kiyooka’s triumph marks Japan’s seventh wrestling gold of these Games and continues the country’s strong tradition in the sport. Following in the footsteps of Takuto Otoguro, the Tokyo 2020 champion in the same weight class.
In the bronze-medal matches, Puerto Rico’s Sebastian Rivera and Albania’s Islam Dudaev both claimed victories by the narrowest of margins, each winning by a single point. Rivera made remarkable comeback in second period, scoring all 10 of his points to edge out Mongolia’s Tömör-Ochiryn Tulga 10-9. Dudaev’s contest against Hungary’s Iszmail Muszukajev was equally intense, with the Albanian securing a 13-12 victory.
Kiyooka’s gold-medal performance highlights Japan’s continued excellence in Olympic wrestling. And his swift and strategic victory over a world champion underscores his rising status in the sport.
Podium: Men’s 65kg Freestyle Wrestling, Paris 2024
| Medal | Athlete | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Kiyooka Kotaro | Japan |
| Silver | Rahman Amouzadkhalili | Islamic Republic of Iran |
| Bronze | Sebastian Rivera | Puerto Rico |
| Bronze | Islam Dudaev | Albania |
The men’s 65kg freestyle wrestling event at Paris 2024 was marked by Kiyooka Kotaro’s impressive Olympic debut and the thrillingly close bronze-medal contests.
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