Zelimkhan Abakarov Wins Silver for Albania at Taranto 2026

Wrestling continues to bring medals and pride to Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Zelimkhan Abakarov climbed onto the second step of the podium, winning silver in the men’s freestyle 65 kg category.

The Team Albania athlete produced an impressive tournament and reached the final after two convincing victories. Abakarov began his campaign with a 3–0 win over Egypt’s Eman before defeating Syria’s Dirki 6–2 in his next bout.

In the gold-medal match, the Albanian representative faced Turkey’s Ahmet Duman. It was a close and fiercely contested final, but the Turkish wrestler prevailed 4–2, leaving Abakarov with the silver medal.

Another Medal for a Great Champion

This is another prestigious medal in Abakarov’s remarkable career. He became the 57 kg world champion in 2022 and was the first wrestler representing Albania to win a world title.

Abakarov also won a World Championship bronze medal in 2023 and has reached the European podium several times. In April 2026, competing in Tirana, he was crowned European runner-up in the 61 kg category.

He previously won gold in the 65 kg category at the Oran 2022 Mediterranean Games. Four years later in Taranto, Abakarov returned to the Mediterranean podium, this time with a silver medal.

At the moment Abakarov secured his place on the podium, this was Albania’s second medal of the Games, following Ardit Zeneli’s bronze. After the finals were completed, Albanian wrestling’s total rose to three medals: Islam Dudaev’s gold, Abakarov’s silver and Zeneli’s bronze.

Congratulations, Zelimkhan Abakarov! Congratulations, Team Albania! 🇦🇱🥈

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