Hassan Yazdani enters wrestling history by winning medals in four different weight categories

The international judo tournament named 'Hoji Sharif Dushanbe Grand Prix Juniors 2026' is taking place in the capital of Tajikistan, the city of Dushanbe. The tournament gathers judokas aged up to 21 years old.

Within this competition, Sabina Azamatova won the title of champion.

Despite his young age, five-year-old Ziggy Smith is demonstrating impressive achievements in surfing. The primary school student from Llandudno returned from vacation with two prize placements, a spot in the surfing record book, and the support of his father watching him from the water.

Previously, Jordi Smith held the record at the South African Junior Championship, having set it at the age of seven. However, Jordi's son, Ziggy, allegedly surpassed him by two years earlier. Ziggy also competed in the championship against older children in Jeffreys Bay, which showed that his status as the youngest surfer in the competition did not prevent him from reaching the podium.

According to family information, Ziggy won third place in the under-10 division at the national championship, competing against children several years older than him.

Ziggy's appearance at the national championship made him the youngest participant in the event, breaking the previous record of seven years set by his father, professional South African surfer Jordan Michael 'Jordi' Smith. For the Smith family, this was a special moment: the father, who had achieved success in sports, was now watching his five-year-old son begin to find his place on the waves.

At the championship, Ziggy faced large waves and challenging conditions. His family noted that the young surfer approached the conditions with determination, showing courage and giving his all to the competition. This was a significant test for an early childhood student who was mastering waves and rivals significantly exceeding expectations for his age.

Another highlight was Ziggy's second place in Victoria Bay. In the Super Groms category final, Ziggy competed against Koa King; both young surfers were supported by their fathers in the water. Jordi Smith accompanied his son as a water assistant, while Thomas King supported Koa.

Photos from Ziggy's vacation contain moments that tell a story better than any results protocol: the five-year-old boy balancing on a board while riding a wave, proudly displaying a medal and certificate, and smiling next to a trophy, marking his achievement at the national championship. Furthermore, there was another reason to celebrate: Ziggy was invited to become the youngest member of the Cape Town Surfriders club.

This invitation provides the young student, who has already demonstrated such enthusiasm and bravery in the water, with an exciting opportunity to continue learning, developing, and enjoying the sport.

Returning to Llandudno Primary School, Ziggy's achievements resonated particularly with the value of the school's fourth term: Courage. The school encourages its students to take on challenges, give their maximum, and approach unfamiliar situations with bravery—whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the ocean.

Principal Alexander Molten expressed joy over Ziggy's achievements and the example he set. Molten stated: 'We are very proud of Ziggy. Taking on these waves at only five years old and giving your absolute best is a wonderful example of the courage we encourage at Llandudno Primary School this term. His results are remarkable, and we hope he will continue to find joy in sports as he grows up.'

At the 2026 U23 World Wrestling Championship held in Las Vegas, USA, Iranian wrestlers secured two gold and three bronze medals across the first five weight categories.

Ebrahim Khari won a bronze medal in the 61 kg category, achieving a convincing 12-0 victory over Gabriel Wyatt Wisenhunt from Romania in the bronze medal match. Earlier, Khari lost 7-1 to American wrestler Benjamin Adam Davino but managed to return to the competition in the repechage round, defeating Akito Mukai from Japan 15-4 to advance to the semi-finals for a medal.

Ali Karampour also brought a bronze medal to Iran in the 74 kg weight class, defeating Ion Martzu from Moldova 10-0 in the third-place match. Reza Afshar added another bronze medal in the 86 kg division after overcoming Evgeniy Mikhalshan from Moldova 6-0 in the bronze medal final. After losing in the first round to a team from Turkey, Afshar recovered in the competition, defeating opponents from Mexico and Armenia.

Abolfazl Rahmani secured Iran's first gold medal in the 92 kg category. He defeated Fatih Altunbas from Turkey 6-3 in the semi-finals and then beat Arslan Bagayev from Russia 5-2 in the final to claim the title. Abolfazl Mohammednejad completed Iran's double gold medal haul with a dominant 10-0 victory over Alexander Abramishvili from Georgia in the 125 kg final.

Mohammednejad reached the final after victories over athletes from Ukraine, Russia, and Azerbaijan, concluding an impressive run in the heavyweight division. Iran's total of five medals in the first five weight categories demonstrated a strong start for the team at the U23 World Championship, where two titles and three bronze medals created a promising foundation for the remainder of the competition.