Zagalav Abdulbekov

Zagalav Adbulbekov took up wrestling in 1961 and rose to be one of the world’s top featherweight freestylers in the early 1970s. During his career, Abdulbekov won 1972 Olympic gold and was World Champion in 1971 and 1973. He also won bronze at the 1969 World Championships. At the European Championships, Abdulbekov was less successful, winning only silver in 1973 and bronze in 1969 and 1975. At the Soviet Championships, Abdulbekov won four titles (1966, 1968, 1969, 1973). After finishing his sporting career, Abdulbekov worked as a wrestling coach, and coached the Soviet national freestyle wrestling team from 1974-80.