Hungary achieved notable success at the U20 World Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, securing three medals in Greco-Roman wrestling. László Koppány led the way with a silver medal, while Zalán Toplak and Petro Zsitovoz each claimed bronze. The Hungarian team demonstrated strong performances across various weight categories, reflecting their competitive prowess on the international stage.
Competing in the 130kg category, László Koppány advanced to the final after a series of impressive victories over opponents from China, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Egypt. Despite his efforts, Koppány was defeated 8-0 by Russia’s Ali Ilyasov, the defending world and European champion, in the gold-medal match, earning him a commendable silver medal.
Zalán Toplak, a wrestler from Ferencváros, secured a bronze medal in the 77kg division. His journey to the podium began in the repechage round, where he delivered a decisive 10-2 win against Georgia’s Giorgi Gogelashvili. This achievement marked Toplak’s first medal at a World Championship event, highlighting a significant milestone in his wrestling career.
In the 67kg category, Petro Zsitovoz also emerged victorious with a bronze medal. Zsitovoz overcame an initial setback to defeat Egypt’s U23 world champion Mohamed Abdelrehim 11-3 in the placement match, showcasing his resilience and skill. His performance contributed to Hungary’s overall success in the competition.
The championships kicked off with the Greco-Roman wrestling events, where Hungary fielded eight athletes as part of its 22-member delegation. The team’s impressive results underscore the strength and depth of Hungarian wrestling talent at the U20 level.