The Olympic Games enter their eleventh day this Tuesday, with five Albanian athletes having already competed in various disciplines. Now it’s time for wrestling, where Albania will be represented by three naturalized Russian athletes.

On August 8, world champion Zelimkhan Abakarov will compete. The 31-year-old made history in 2022 by becoming the first wrestler to secure a world title for Albania, and now aims to win the country’s first Olympic medal in Paris.

On August 9, between 11:00-13:30, another Russian-born athlete, Chermen Valiev, will compete. The 26-year-old defeated an Olympic champion in the qualifiers for France, raising hopes that he too could secure a medal.

On August 10, Islam Dudaev will conclude Albania’s wrestling participation. This wrestler has also performed well and aspires to be in the medal zone.

It’s worth noting that Albania sent eight athletes to the Paris Olympics, four with Olympic qualifications and four with invitations. Luiza Gega, Franko Burraj, Manjola Konini, Grisi Koxhaku, and Kaltra Meça did not leave a significant mark at the world’s largest sporting event.

It’s important to highlight that throughout its history of participating in the Olympic Games, Albania has yet to win a medal.

/k.s/