Alp Arslan Begendzhov became the Asian champion in freestyle wrestling among athletes under 23. The tournament was held in Da Nang, Vietnam. The Turkmen wrestler competed in the weight category up to 86 kg, according to “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”.
On his way to gold, the 19-year-old athlete had three matches and did not concede a single point to his opponents. In the quarterfinals, he defeated India’s Sachin Mor 6–0. In the semifinals, he won by technical superiority against Boburbek Ruzimboyev of Uzbekistan 11–0. In the final, he also secured an early victory over Abilaykhan Uzembayev of Kazakhstan 10–0. This is Begendzhov’s first gold medal at the Asian U23 Championships. Last year, he took silver in the 79 kg category at the same tournament.
The athlete has been steadily improving on the international stage. In 2024, he won gold at both the Asian and World Championships among U20 athletes. In 2025, he added a silver medal at the U23 level and a bronze at the U20 Asian Championships. In April 2026, he also earned bronze at the senior Asian Championships in Bishkek. Starting this season, Begendzhov moved up to the 86 kg weight class and has already achieved success at continental level.
The athlete received his foundational training in Ashgabat, working with various national team coaches. He is currently training under the guidance of Batyr Orazgylydzhov.