Wood Takes Gold, Kerkvliet Secures Silver at Yasar Dogu International

2026 Yasar Dogu International

The 2026 Yasar Dogu International Wrestling Tournament, set to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, on January 11, promises to be an enticing competition attracting some of the best wrestlers from around the world. As one of the premier wrestling events, it pays tribute to the legacy of Turkish wrestling and fosters the spirit of competition among nations.

Venue and Date

This year, attendees will gather in the beautiful coastal city of Antalya, known for its stunning scenery and rich history. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, Antalya serves as a perfect backdrop for such a significant sporting event. The tournament will take place on January 11, inviting competitors and fans alike to engage in a day filled with high-level wrestling.

Men’s Freestyle Medalists

In recent events leading up to the 2026 tournament, several Turkish athletes have showcased outstanding performances. Here’s a summary of the medalists in the Men’s Freestyle category:

• Gold – Recep Topal (Türkiye)
• Silver – Emrah Ormanoğlu (Türkiye)
• Bronze – Nebi Uzun (Türkiye)
• Bronze – Ahora Farhad Khateri (İran)

This reflects Türkiye’s continued dominance in wrestling, with multiple wrestlers clinching medals in various weight categories.

Notable Performances

The competition has seen several standout moments:

• Zalkarbek Tabaldiev from Kyrgyzstan emerged victorious with a gold medal, along with Islam Dudaev from Albania winning silver. The bronze medals were shared between Hamza Alaca and Rustamzhan Kakharov, both hailing from Kyrgyzstan.
• In another weight class, Fatih Erdin took home gold for Türkiye, with Alperen Tokgöz securing silver. The bronze medals were claimed by Süleyman Karadeniz and Harun Kılıç, further showcasing Türkiye’s prowess.
• Exciting matches featured Jordan Wood and Greg Kerkvliet, both earning medals for the United States, with Wood taking gold in the 125 kg category.

U.S. Men’s Freestyle Results

For U.S. wrestlers, the competition has proven to be equally challenging and rewarding:

125 kg Category

• Gold – Jordan Wood (Gilbertsville, Pa./Lehigh Valley Wrestling RTC/New York AC)

  • Wood’s remarkable journey included:
    • Win over M. Celik (Türkiye), fall at 1:11
    • Win against Abolfazl Mohammad Nezhad (Iran), fall at 1:03
    • Win via forfeit against Greg Kerkvliet (United States)

• Silver – Greg Kerkvliet (Imperial, Pa./Lehigh Valley Wrestling RTC/Titan Mercury WC)

  • Kerkvliet showcased his skills with:
    • Wins against I. Yagan and Ibrahim Ciftci, both victories by technical fall.
    • A notable loss to Wood via forfeit.

• Did Not Place – Christian Lance (Nixa, Mo./Nebraska WTC/Titan Mercury WC)

  • Despite a hard-fought effort, Lance fell short against Hakan Buyukcingil from Türkiye in a closely contested bout, losing 3-2.

Competitive Spirit and Global Representation

The Yasar Dogu International serves as a platform for wrestlers to not only showcase their skills but also to foster international friendships and sportsmanship. Each year, the tournament brings together athletes from various countries, uniting them in their love for the sport.

Anticipation and Excitement

As the date approaches, excitement builds among both competitors and fans. The blend of heritage, competitive spirit, and world-class wrestling creates an atmosphere unique to the Yasar Dogu International. Athletes aim to leave their mark, engage in fierce battles, and perhaps etch their names into the annals of wrestling history.

This tournament encapsulates the essence of wrestling, bringing together tradition, competition, and the thrill of high-stakes matches. As January 11 approaches, anticipation continues to grow for an unforgettable day of wrestling in Antalya, Türkiye.