Premiere in Moldovan sports: Ialoveni hosts Republican Tournament of Straight Wrestling

Ialoveni city hosted the Republican Tournament of Straight Wrestling "Invites Anatol Moldovan" on 24 April, a sporting event dedicated to promoting traditional wrestling in the Republic of Moldova. Organized by the National Sports Federation of Wrestling, with support from Ialoveni City Hall and District Council, the competition brought together participants in a festive setting.


"I am glad that many athletes accepted our invitation and tried this type of sport, 'straight wrestling.' The event is an opportunity for athletes from Ialoveni to promote and assert themselves, to gain confidence and experience. The winners received cups, medals, diplomas, monetary prizes, and personalized gifts," said Anatol Moldovan Jr., the president of the National Sports Federation of Wrestling.


Ialoveni mayor Sergiu Armașu spoke about the pleasant atmosphere of the event and its significance.


"The tournament took place in a beautiful atmosphere. The young participants were courteous. The first edition was held successfully, showing increased interest in this type of sport. We hope that, in the future, this tournament will become international, attracting participants from many countries and contributing to the promotion of sports among young people," Sergiu Armașu said.


Around 70 athletes participated in the tournament, competing in several weight categories. The competition introduced a modernized version of traditional Moldovan wrestling, in which wrestlers confronted each other in a straightforward style, without using techniques involving leg grabbing.

Anatol Moldovan is the vice president of the National Sports Federation of Wrestling. From 1999 to 2007, he was the mayor of Ialoveni. On January 2, 2025, by order of Minister of Education and Research, Anatol Moldovan was awarded the title of Emeritus Coach of the Republic of Moldova, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the development of national sports.