Circassian wrestler Sheriev defeated Sidakov to become the champion of the Russian Federation + video

 

On February 1, Circassian wrestler Inalbek Sheriev from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (the eastern part of the Circassian homeland) won the 2026 Russian Freestyle Wrestling Championship in the 74 kg weight class.

In the final, he faced Olympic champion and three-time world champion Zaurbek Sidakov (North Ossetia). The final score was 7:5 in favor of the 25-year-old wrestler from Kabardino-Balkaria.

This victory gives Inalbek the opportunity to represent Russia at the World Championships, which will be held from October 24 to November 1 in Astana.

"I sincerely congratulate Inalbek, his coaches, and fans on such a remarkable achievement.

I wish him success and new heights!" Kazbek Kokov, Head of Kabardino-Balkaria, wrote on his MAKS channel.