Dauren Kurugliev secured the bronze medal in men’s 86kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics on Friday, defeating Myles Nazem Amine of San Marino with a score of 5-4.

In an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), Kurugliev dedicated his medal to all Greeks, particularly to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Deputy Minister of Sports Yiannis Vroutsis. Speaking to ANA-MPA’s Paris correspondent Nikos Lakatas he expressed his gratitude and said: “ God gave me this medal, and I am very happy.”

When asked about the significance of Greece winning a wrestling medal after 20 years, Kurugliev responded, “ I didn’t know it had been so long since Greece won a wrestling medal. I am genuinely very happy. This is a new beginning for wrestling, which has great athletes, and I hope everything goes well.”

Regarding his future goals, Kurugliev stated that he plans to rest and then begin preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with the aim of winning a gold medal.

Kurugliev also mentioned that he wants to dedicate his medal to the Greeks who have supported him and shown him so much love. Specifically, he highlighted his gratitude to three individuals: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Deputy Minister of Sports Yiannis Vroutsis and Konstantinos Thanos. “ Without these three people, I wouldn’t have competed in the Olympics. I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

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Dauren Kurugliev wins bronze in 86kg freestyle wrestling at Paris Olympics