Omer Memedi wins Balkan U20 wrestling title in Koprivnica
North Macedonian Omer Memedi secured the Balkan U20 crown in Koprivnica after wins including 5-3 and 9-2.
Omer Memedi claimed the Balkan U20 wrestling title after dominating the competition held in Koprivnica, Croatia. The North Macedonian wrestler secured the championship in the up-to-97 kg division on October 4, 2026.
Key matches on the way to gold
Memedi advanced to the final rounds following a semifinal victory over Turkey's Yunus Baldzhi. Earlier in the tournament he recorded two convincing wins in the preliminary stages: a 5-3 triumph over Ilija Atanasov and a 9-2 victory against the Romanian Balash Lorinc.
The wins underlined Memedi's consistency throughout the event and marked his rise to the top of the Balkan under-20 field in his weight class. Coaches and teammates praised the technical level and discipline he showed on the mat.
The title in Koprivnica adds an important international medal to Memedi's young career and positions him as one of the region's leading prospects among U20 heavyweights.
The tournament in Croatia gathered the region's best junior wrestlers and served as a proving ground ahead of continental competitions later in the season.
With the Balkan crown secured, Memedi will likely attract attention from national selectors as preparations continue for upcoming international events.
Photo: press material from the event
