Croatian International Cup

Croatian International Cup “Sokol Maric”

2nd March 2014, Zagreb - CROATIA

by David Shead

Croatian International Cup is held in Zagreb a modern city but with a long and interesting history that we all had a nice incite to on a city tour with a guide to help us find out about some of its history.

The competition was on a specially constructed stage designed so spectators could see from all 4 sides, and for good reason as it attracted about 700 spectators.

Their where 15 countries taking part so we ran the competition on 3 tables, the competitors where of all levels, some very novice others world champions,

In the heats some of the newer wrestlers did surprise the more experienced but at the top it was more predictable, it was a pleasure to watch Franco Comperli win his class with some exhalent displays’ of wrestling.

One other point to note were the wrestlers from Kazakhstan who not only took several of the top places but it was agreed by the referees that they did not make many mistakes, almost never making fouls, I believe they may be the best trained team in the world, working like machines with their precision. Watch out for them at the world championships.

Overall it was a friendly but competitive competition that all seemed to enjoy.  

David Shead  

EAF Assistant Director of Referees