Syrian Wrestlers Secure Medals and Semifinal Spots at Mediterranean Games
Syrian athletes competing at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, have delivered strong performances in the wrestling tournament, securing early success for the national team. Ibrahim Al-Tabbaa has officially guaranteed at least a bronze medal for Syria in the 57 kg freestyle wrestling category, marking the nation’s first podium finish in the current iteration of the games.
Al-Tabbaa’s journey to the medal round began with a decisive victory over Macedonian wrestler Mohamed Yessinov, whom he defeated with a score of 6-0. Following this success, Al-Tabbaa faced a challenging match against Turkey’s Mohamed Karafos, ultimately conceding with a 0-10 result. However, he maintained his focus in the following encounter, securing a comprehensive 9-2 victory over Italian wrestler Angelo Perroni. This win secured his position in the bronze medal match, where he is scheduled to compete against a French opponent. A subsequent victory in that match would grant Al-Tabbaa the opportunity to contest for the silver medal.
In the 65 kg category, Syrian wrestler Ahmed Dirki has also demonstrated exceptional form. He successfully navigated his quarterfinal match against Macedonia’s Yassir Ilili, clinching a 8-1 victory. This performance has earned Dirki a spot in the semifinals, where he is set to face Albania’s Abakarov. The result of this upcoming match will determine his progression toward the tournament’s final rounds.
Meanwhile, the national team’s representative in the 60 kg Greco-Roman wrestling category, Mohamed Asad al-Din al-Ustah, has concluded his official weigh-in procedures. Al-Ustah is preparing to compete for a bronze medal this evening against a French representative. He entered this final stage of the competition following a hard-fought match against Egypt’s Mahmoud Saad in the semifinals, which concluded yesterday. The Syrian delegation continues its participation in the Mediterranean Games with high expectations for these athletes as they face their final bouts of the tournament.
