Dauren Kurugliev clinched the bronze medal in the men’s 86kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics on Friday, narrowly defeating Myles Nazem Amine of San Marino with a 5-4 victory.
Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), Kurugliev dedicated his win to all Greeks, with special mentions to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Deputy Minister of Sports Yiannis Vroutsis.
Kurugliev expressed his deep gratitude to Paris correspondent Nikos Lakatas, stating, “God gave me this medal, and I am very happy”.
When asked about the significance of Greece earning a wrestling medal after two decades, Kurugliev remarked, “I didn’t realise it had been so long since Greece last won a wrestling medal. I’m truly happy. This marks a new beginning for wrestling in Greece, which has many great athletes. I hope everything goes well.”
Looking ahead, Kurugliev shared his plans to take some well-deserved rest before beginning preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he aims to win gold.
Kurugliev also reiterated his appreciation for the Greek people who have supported him.
He specifically acknowledged three key figures: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Deputy Minister of Sports Yiannis Vroutsis, and Konstantinos Thanos. “Without these three people, I wouldn’t have competed in the Olympics. I wouldn’t be here,” he said.
*with AMNA
