Armenian Wrestlers Absent from Preliminary Entry List for Muhamet Malo Ranking Series in Albania

Armenian wrestlers are not included in the preliminary entry list for the season’s second ranking tournament — the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series — scheduled to take place in Albania from February 25 to March 1.

According to the published data, many national teams that skipped the first ranking event in Zagreb will compete in Tirana, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Finland and others.

Several wrestlers who previously faced Armenian representatives at a tournament in Estonia are also entered in Albania.

It should be noted that the Armenian national team skipped both the first ranking tournament in Zagreb and the second stage in Albania. Instead, the Armenian squad, with an extended lineup, competed at the Kristjan Palusalu Memorial in Estonia, winning 14 gold medals. However, this event is not part of the United World Wrestling calendar and does not award ranking points.

Interestingly, in the 97 kg weight category, Artur Sargsyan is listed in the preliminary entries representing Russia.

It is worth recalling that this year the ranking series does not affect Olympic qualification, but starting next season it will become an important part of the pathway to the Games. Ranking points, however, still play a role in the draw for major international tournaments.

Last year, six Armenian freestyle wrestlers competed at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, with Vazgen Tevanyan winning a silver medal.