Borchashvili brother clash expected in Austria

Wachid Borchashvili, younger brother of Olympic medallist Shamil Borchashvili, has decided to return to the U81kg weight category after a 14-month break "I tried everything, but I didn't and couldn't get beyond a weight of 88 kg. On the top people in the U90kg weight category, I am thus a few percent short of muscle mass. That won't be enough for a place in the sun."

As of now, the Borchashvili brothers are fighting in one weight class again. "This decision makes 100% sense for Wachid. He certainly has better chances for top rankings in the -U81kg category. The fact that we will now become opponents cannot be changed. I am already curious when we will meet for the first time. Maybe even at the home Grand Prix in Linz," says Shamil Borchashvili. "It was a joint family decision. My brothers talked me into taking this step. And the lighter weight class feels better for me, too," Wachid says. My first goal: "I have to be among the top 100 in the world rankings by May to be able to compete at the World Championships in Doha."

Does the 24-year-old think he has a chance of winning against his successful brother? "I can do it in training. But Shamil is a competitive guy - he is definitely the stronger of the two of us." Austrian head coach Yvonne Bönisch comments appreciatively: "Wachid makes an excellent impression on me, he is very fast-acting and technically saddle-fast, i.e. certainly competitive."