Makhachkala, February 17, 2014. A tournament in memory of famous Turkish wrestler Yasar Dogu has started in Istanbul today. A large group of Daghestani athletes have come here as part of the Russian team headed by Daghestan team’s coach Sajid Sajidov whose interviews to RIA "Daghestan" will be presented once the tournament is over.

Daghestani athletes are also to be found in other national teams, for example, Rashid Kurbanov is representing Uzbekistan.

Daghestan is also represented in the FILA referee team serving the tournament. Olympic category referee Ubaydula Osmanov is in charge of the referee team on one floor from the first minutes of the tournament.

Moreover, another renowned Turkish wrestler, two-time Olympic champion and one of Yasar Dogu’s friends, Daghestan born Mustafa Daghestani is an honored guest watching the contest.

The start of the tournament was not very good for Daghestani athletes – Osmanov and Batyrov were defeated in heavy fights. However, in accordance with the tournament rules, both athletes still have a chance to fight for the third place.

RIA "Daghestan" wishes good luck to our athletes. We will inform readers about the results of the tournament’s second day. You can watch the tournament live in the site of the Turkey Wrestling Federation (www.tgfwebtv.com).