Albania enjoyed a historic afternoon in wrestling at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, winning two more medals after Ardit Zeneli’s bronze, a gold for Islam Dudaev and a silver for Zelimkhan Abakarov.

Dudaev delivered the biggest moment of the day for Albanian wrestling, capturing the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 74kg category.

After dominating throughout the competition, Dudaev produced another commanding performance in the final against North Macedonia’s Fati Vejseli. The Albanian wrestler secured a 4-0 victory, earning Albania its first gold medal of the 2026 Mediterranean Games.

Abakarov also reached the podium, taking silver in the men’s freestyle 65kg category.

In Monday’s final, Abakarov faced Turkey’s Ahmet Duman in a closely contested bout. Duman ultimately prevailed 4-2, claiming the gold medal and leaving Abakarov with silver.

The two wrestling medals add to Albania’s growing medal tally in Taranto and underline the country’s strong presence on the Mediterranean sporting stage.