The Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Tournament 2026 reached its conclusion on January 11, as the final day of competition delivered a full slate of Freestyle Wrestling bouts, culminating in medal ceremonies that closed four demanding days of international action. With qualification rounds, repechage, and finals all compressed into the schedule, the final day tested endurance, recovery, and mental toughness as much as technical skill.
Midday Session: Qualification Rounds & Repechage (11:00–14:30)
Action resumed at 11:00, with freestyle wrestlers competing in the remaining weight categories:
- 61 kg
- 70 kg
- 79 kg
- 92 kg
- 125 kg
From the outset, intensity was evident as athletes fought to keep medal hopes alive on the tournament’s final day. The qualification rounds featured rapid pacing in the lighter divisions, with frequent shot attempts and quick transitions. Wrestlers in the heavier categories adopted a more measured approach, focusing on balance, positioning, and minimizing errors.
Repechage bouts proved particularly demanding, as competitors who had suffered early losses returned to the mat with little margin for recovery. Several matches extended deep into regulation, reflecting both the physical toll of the tournament and the determination of athletes chasing a podium finish on the last available day.
Evening Session: Finals & Medal Ceremonies (17:00–19:30)
The decisive phase of the tournament unfolded from 17:00 to 19:30, as freestyle finals were contested across all scheduled weight classes.
Freestyle Finals
Finals in the lighter weights showcased speed and technical variety, with athletes combining aggressive leg attacks and counter-wrestling to gain early advantages. In the middle categories, positional control and match awareness played a larger role, as finalists carefully managed tempo and scoring opportunities.
The heavyweight 125 kg final brought a fitting close to the competition, emphasizing strength, leverage, and tactical patience. As in previous days, defense and counter-attacks proved decisive, with several finals turning on a single takedown or exposure.
Following each final, medal ceremonies honored the top three finishers, providing a moment of recognition after an intense schedule that required athletes to compete multiple times in a single day.
A Demanding and Complete Tournament
The final day reinforced the Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Tournament’s reputation as one of the most physically demanding stops on the international wrestling calendar. By staging qualifications, repechage, and finals on the same day across all styles, the tournament rewarded wrestlers who combined efficiency, conditioning, and composure under pressure.
As the last medals were awarded on January 11, the 2026 edition concluded with a clear message: success at this tournament requires more than talent alone. For athletes and coaches, performances across the four days provided valuable insight and momentum heading into the broader international season, cementing the event’s role as a true early-year proving ground in global wrestling.