Overview:
Palau wrestler Raiden Soaladaob Hobson Decherong gained valuable international experience at the U20 World Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia, competing in the men’s freestyle 57-kilogram division against elite wrestlers from Russia and Türkiye. His appearance on the world stage marks an important step in his development as Palau prepares for the Pacific Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification pathway.
Bratislava, Slovakia — August 23, 2026
Palau’s young wrestling standout Raiden Soaladaob Hobson Decherong represented Palau with pride at the U20 World Wrestling Championships held in Bratislava, Slovakia.
As part of his preparation for the World Championships, Decherong spent one week in Japan training and gaining valuable experience before traveling to Slovakia for the competition. The training camp provided him with an opportunity to sharpen his skills, prepare for the high level of competition ahead and gain additional international training experience.
Decherong competed on August 21, 2026, in the Men’s Freestyle 57kg division, where he faced one of the tournament’s toughest competitors, Magomed Rabazanovitch Magomedov of Russia. Magomedov entered the match after defeating Ebubekir Gur of Türkiye by technical superiority, 12–2. He then faced Decherong and won by technical superiority, 10–0. Although the result did not go Decherong’s way, competing against an elite international wrestler at the U20 World Championships provided valuable experience for the young Palauan. Magomedov went on to defeat the rest of his opponents, including wrestlers from the United States and Japan, and ultimately captured the U20 World Championship gold medal.
Decherong returned to the mat the following day after having to make weight again for another challenging match, this time against Türkiye’s Ebubekir Gur. Decherong showed determination and created an opportunity with a counter, coming close to scoring. However, Gur was able to defend the position and eventually won the match by technical superiority.
Despite the results, Decherong’s participation in the U20 World Championships represents an important step in his development as a wrestler. Competing against some of the world’s best young athletes gives him valuable experience that he can take back home and use to improve his training.
Decherong represented Palau exceptionally well throughout the competition and remains determined to continue working hard. He plans to return home, train harder and use this experience as motivation for his future competitions. His participation is also an important part of Palau Wrestling’s preparation for the Pacific Games next year and the Olympic qualification pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Also competing at the U20 World Wrestling Championships was Tamaterai Andrew Herve, who competed in the Men’s Freestyle 65kg division and faced Zalimkhan Umarov of Russia, losing by technical superiority. Australia was also represented in the 65kg division by Bilal Cetin, who competed against wrestlers from Japan and Canada.
Team Palau would like to sincerely thank the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC), WCTC, and all of our sponsors and supporters for making it possible for our team to compete at this major international event.
The opportunity to compete on the world stage is an important part of developing Palau’s young wrestlers and preparing them for the major competitions ahead.
Our wrestling journey continues—and this experience for Raiden in Bratislava is another important step toward the future.
