The biggest wrestling event began in Budapest on the 20^th October – said Nenad Lalovics, President of the UWW, concerning this year’s championships. Nenad was positive that he would have a reason to congratulate the Hungarian organisers.

On Wednesday’s press conference, Szilárd Németh supported the words of Lalovics with numbers, stating that 860 wrestlers applied from 114 countries, which is unprecedented in the history of the sport.

Balázs Fürjes noted that the Papp László Sports Arena was opened 15 years ago, and that the World Wrestling Championships is a great way to celebrate the anniversary.

“The Hungarian organizers implemented everything perfectly” – Nenad Lalovics

Nenad Lalovics, President of the United World Wrestling thanks Budapest for the superior organisation of the 2018 World Wrestling Championship, and he highlighted that Hungarians organised the best event in the history of the sport.

“The last day was worthy to the previous eight. It was a fantastic world championship, and our beloved sport continued its way on the planned development. I am extremely pleased, as we are going in the right direction and the Hungarian organisers gave rise to an exquisite event. The tournament was exhausting, but not only for the athletes and the federation’s staff but also for everybody who participated. I can only be thankful for their persistence, and I am delighted that none of the referees made any mistake. Excellent, precise and one of the best organisation I ever experienced.” -said Nenad

Péter Bácsi – Gold medal in 82kg Greco-Roman

According to 24.hu, Péter even surprised himself, because from losing 0-3, he managed to gain a second wind and turned the match around. Péter Bácsi won the title of World Champion for the second time. He won the World Championship organised in Hungary in László Papp Sports Arena in the 82 kg Greco-roman category.

“I have no idea where I drew my power from, but it was impossible to lose in front of such an audience. In my first three matches I was unable to make an action successfully, but now, and in the semi-finals, where it really mattered, things worked out. It was like a dream come true that I was able to celebrate with my family and loved ones” – said Bácsi.

Bácsi, FTC’s 35-year-old wrestler could not participate in the 2013 World Championships in Budapest, because of his knee injury. He was hoping that he could play in Hungary, but he knew, that he must wait more until Hungary receives the right for organising the event again. He said that it is incomprehensible, that five years later, life gave him the possibility to make his dream come true and with his gold, he surely lived with this opportunity.

Right now, he does not want to think about his future.

András Sike team coach – who is the trainer of now world champion and twice European champion Péter since his young days – said that this could be the perfect farewell, but he added that it is Péter, who ultimately makes the decision, and if Bácsi wants to continue, he will not dissuade him from it. Even if he said that before; if it were not for the World Championship being organised in Budapest, Péter would have probably finished his career after the Olympics in Rio already.

Tamás Lőrinc – Silver medal in 77kg Greco-Roman

Tamás Lőrincz secured the Hungarian team’s fourth medal. He received a silver medal against the Russian Csehirkin, who defeated him 3-1 in the 77 kg Greco-roman category.

According to 444.hu, both wrestlers started the finals with a fast pace, but neither found grip in the standing fight. After one and a half minutes, the judges found Lőrincz more active and they signed the Russian. Lőrincz tried to take Csehirkin down, but he immediately stood up and hit Tamás in the face with his elbow. András Sike asked for ‘challenge’, but the judges did not give it to him. The combat went on, although at a much slower pace.