With qualification rounds, repechage bouts, and medal finals all scheduled on the same day, freestyle athletes faced a demanding test of endurance, adaptability, and tactical sharpness.
Midday Session: Qualification Rounds & Repechage (11:00–15:00)
Freestyle action started at 11:00, with wrestlers competing across five Olympic-recognized weight categories:
- 57 kg
- 65 kg
- 74 kg
- 86 kg
- 97 kg
From the opening bouts, the tempo shifted noticeably compared to the Greco-Roman and women’s styles earlier in the tournament. Freestyle wrestling emphasized explosive leg attacks, rapid transitions, and continuous movement, forcing athletes to stay alert across every exchange.
The qualification rounds featured a high volume of matches, with wrestlers often competing multiple times within short intervals. Efficiency became a decisive factor, as athletes who secured early technical advantages conserved energy for later rounds. Repechage bouts added further pressure, offering a second chance at medal contention but demanding immediate physical and mental recovery after earlier setbacks.
Across weight classes, stylistic contrasts were evident. Lighter divisions delivered fast-paced scrambles and high-scoring sequences, while middle and upper weights emphasized balance, timing, and controlled aggression. Several bouts were decided by narrow margins, reflecting the depth and international diversity of the freestyle field.
Evening Session: Finals & Medal Ceremonies (17:00–19:00)
Following a brief recovery window, attention turned to the finals session from 17:00 to 19:00, where medals were decided in all five freestyle categories.
Freestyle Finals
The finals showcased the tactical side of freestyle wrestling. With fatigue now a factor after a full day on the mat, finalists focused on positional control, shot selection, and match management. Early scoring exchanges often dictated strategy, with wrestlers adjusting pace to protect leads or force late comebacks.
Defense and counter-attacks played a major role, particularly in the heavier categories, where a single takedown or exposure could determine the outcome. The finals reflected a balance between explosiveness and composure, highlighting athletes who could execute under pressure while managing the cumulative demands of the day.
Medal ceremonies followed the conclusion of each final, recognizing podium finishers and marking the official start of freestyle competition within the 2026 tournament.
A Key Milestone in the Tournament
The introduction of freestyle wrestling on January 10 broadened the competitive scope of the Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Tournament, reinforcing its status as a comprehensive international wrestling event. By compressing qualifications, repechage, and finals into a single day, the freestyle schedule rewarded athletes who combined technical clarity with physical resilience.
As the tournament progressed beyond January 10, performances in the freestyle divisions provided valuable early-season indicators for athletes and coaches alike. The day’s action underscored the tournament’s role as a proving ground—where preparation, adaptability, and execution are tested in equal measure on the international stage.