The 2016 Rio Olympics marked a turning point for Hassan Yazdani, who secured the gold medal in the 74 kg freestyle wrestling category by defeating Aniuar Geduev. Born on 26 December 1994 in Juybar County, he has since established himself as a dominant presence in international wrestling, transitioning through multiple weight classes while competing for Iran.
Early Career and Junior Success
Yazdani first demonstrated his potential on the international stage during his junior years. In 2014, he claimed a gold medal at the Junior World Championships in the 66 kg division by defeating Aaron Pico. His transition to senior competition began shortly after, where he secured a silver medal at the 2015 Senior World Championships following a loss to Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Olympic and World Championship Performance
After moving up to the 74 kg division, Yazdani captured Olympic gold in 2016. He later shifted to the 86 kg category, where he consistently performed at the elite level. He became a World Champion in 2017, 2019, and 2021. His rivalry with American wrestler David Taylor defined much of this period, with the two meeting in multiple high-stakes finals, including the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2023 World Championships.
Regional and Continental Dominance
Beyond the global stage, Yazdani has maintained significant success in regional tournaments. In 2017, he won gold at the Islamic Solidarity Games, defeating notable opponents like Sharif Sharifov and Selim Yaşar. He also secured victory at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, defeating Deepak Punia in a 10-0 match, continuing a trend of one-sided performances against regional competition.
Recent Activity and Public Stance
Following a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Yazdani continues to be recognized for his impact on the sport. On 29 December 2025, he publicly supported the 2025–2026 Iranian protests, framing his perspective through the lens of his athletic career by noting the difficulty of remaining silent under pressure.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 December 1994
- Birthplace: Juybar County, Iran
- Olympic Gold: 2016 (74 kg)
- World Championship Titles: 2017, 2019, 2021
- Primary Discipline: Freestyle Wrestling
- Notable Rival: David Taylor
- 2024 Olympic Result: Silver
Questions readers ask
How many world titles has Hassan Yazdani won?
He has won three world titles, specifically in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
What weight categories has he competed in?
He has competed in several categories throughout his career, including the 66 kg, 74 kg, and 86 kg divisions.
