With qualification bouts, repechage rounds, and medal finals all scheduled on the same day, the tournament opened at a demanding pace that tested depth, recovery, and tactical sharpness.
Morning to Afternoon: Qualification & Repechage (11:00–15:00)
Competition began at 11:00, as wrestlers entered the qualification rounds and repechage sessions across multiple weight categories. The early hours were defined by volume and intensity, with short recovery windows forcing athletes to manage energy carefully while navigating technically diverse matchups.
Greco-Roman Weight Classes in Action
The Greco-Roman program featured bouts in:
- 55 kg
- 63 kg
- 72 kg
- 82 kg
- 97 kg
- 130 kg
These sessions highlighted classic Greco-Roman fundamentals—upper-body control, par terre execution, and positional discipline. Lighter weight classes delivered fast-paced exchanges and frequent transitions, while the heavier divisions emphasized strength, balance, and tactical patience. Several matches were decided by narrow margins, underlining the competitive balance typical of this long-standing international event.
Women’s Wrestling Qualification Rounds
Women’s Wrestling action ran in parallel, with qualification and repechage bouts held in:
- 50 kg
- 55 kg
- 59 kg
- 65 kg
- 72 kg
The women’s sessions showcased a blend of speed, technical creativity, and aggressive shot-making. Athletes pushed tempo early, aware that same-day finals required efficient victories. Repechage rounds proved especially intense, as wrestlers fought to keep medal hopes alive following early setbacks.
Evening Session: Finals & Medal Bouts (17:30–20:00)
Following a brief reset period, attention shifted to the finals session from 17:30 to 20:00, where medals were decided across all scheduled weight classes for the day.
Greco-Roman Finals
The Greco-Roman finals across all listed categories delivered controlled, tactical wrestling. With fatigue now a factor after multiple matches earlier in the day, finalists relied on experience and situational awareness. Clinch exchanges, counter throws, and disciplined defense played a decisive role as athletes looked to secure early leads and manage match tempo.
Women’s Wrestling Finals
Women’s Wrestling finals followed a similar pattern of intensity, with athletes balancing aggression against risk management. Several finals featured momentum swings, as wrestlers adjusted strategies mid-bout to respond to opponents’ strengths. The evening session highlighted the growing depth of women’s international wrestling, with competitive finals across all weights.
A Strong Start to the 2026 Tournament
The opening day of the Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Tournament reinforced its reputation as a demanding early-season test. By compressing qualifications, repechage, and finals into a single day, the schedule rewarded wrestlers who combined technical efficiency with physical endurance and mental resilience.
Beyond medal outcomes, January 8 served as an important benchmark for athletes preparing for a busy international calendar in 2026. Coaches and officials closely observed performances, adjustments, and recovery patterns, using the opening day as a reference point for the days ahead.
As the tournament continues, the tone set on opening day—tight margins, disciplined wrestling, and sustained intensity—signals that the 2026 edition is poised to be one of the most competitive in recent years.