Press releases

2 Aug 2026

Belarus’ Vitali Hardzei finishes fifth at U17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku

An archive photo

MINSK, 2 August (BelTA) – Team Belarus have wrapped up their campaign at the U17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a single medal to their name, BelTA has learned.

The last of Belarusian athletes to contend for a medal was freestyle wrestler Vitali Hardzei (-71kg). The Belarusian won his qualification bout but lost in the Round of 16 to the eventual finalist from Georgia. Vitali Hardzei battled through the repechage, overcoming opponents from Armenia and Argentina, before losing the bronze match to Mokhmad Baysultanov of Russia.

That leaves Palina Brahinets bronze in the women’s 65kg category as the country’s sole podium finish. Greco-Roman wrestlers Tsimafei Semianenka and Yahor Savich also came close but fell short in their fights for third place. In all, 25 Belarusians took part in the Baku championships, which brought together more than 650 young athletes from 64 nations.