Renowned Japanese wrestling expert Kazuhito Sakae has joined forces with Mongolia’s national freestyle wrestling team as a consultant, aiming for success at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. The Mongolian National Olympic Committee announced this partnership on August 29, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, providing financial backing to strengthen training and athlete development.
Sakae’s Role in Mongolian Wrestling Revival
Kazuhito Sakae, a former world-class wrestler and celebrated coach, signed a contract to guide Mongolia’s male and female freestyle wrestlers. His duties include advising on training methods, techniques, mental preparation, and long-term planning.
This move comes at a key time for Mongolian wrestling, which has shown promise but seeks more Olympic medals. Sakae will also lead programs for national and local coaches to improve the overall system. Officials highlighted new rest facilities for athletes, equipped with research-backed features to aid recovery between sessions.
The partnership focuses on building a stronger foundation after Mongolia’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where wrestlers earned respect but no gold. By bringing in Sakae’s experience, the team hopes to turn potential into podium finishes in 2028.
Funding and Support from Olympic Bodies
The Mongolian National Olympic Committee is funding Sakae with 25,000 US dollars over two years through the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity Programme. This support covers his consulting work and helps organize training camps.
Such international aid is vital for nations like Mongolia to compete globally. The funding will ensure athletes get top-level guidance without financial strain.
In a recent meeting, Sakae expressed his commitment, stating that with the right mindset and methods, Mongolian wrestlers can reach the top. He pledged full effort to help them shine in Los Angeles.
Sakae’s Impressive Coaching Background
Kazuhito Sakae brings decades of success to this role. As a wrestler in the 1980s, he won gold at the Asian Championships in freestyle and silver in Greco-Roman, a rare feat.
He later coached Japan’s women’s team to multiple Olympic golds, mentoring stars like Kaori Icho, who won four straight Olympic titles, and Saori Yoshida, a three-time champion. His methods have produced over a dozen world champions.
Despite past challenges, including a 2018 harassment scandal that led to his resignation from key posts in Japan, Sakae has focused on rebuilding. He now emphasizes positive, athlete-centered training, moving away from earlier strict styles.
Recent reports show him working on modern approaches, like mental health support and balanced routines, which align with Mongolia’s goals.
Impact on Mongolia’s 2028 Olympic Hopes
Mongolia’s freestyle wrestling has grown, with strong showings in events like the 2025 Ulaanbaatar Open, where local athletes won 29 medals. This home tournament, one of four world-ranking events, boosted morale and rankings.
Sakae’s involvement could address gaps, such as tactical depth and international experience. Experts predict it might lead to breakthroughs in weight classes where Mongolia excels, like men’s 65kg and women’s 57kg.
To illustrate potential growth areas, here’s a quick look at recent Mongolian wrestling highlights:
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Two bronze medals in freestyle, showing competitive edge.
- 2025 Asian Championships: Multiple silvers, indicating rising talent.
- Youth programs: Increased funding has doubled junior participation since 2023.
This table compares Mongolia’s Olympic wrestling medals over recent Games:
| Olympics | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo 2020 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Paris 2024 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Projected 2028 | 1+ | 1+ | 2+ | 4+ |
These figures are based on trends and expert analyses, suggesting room for improvement with expert coaching.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Bringing in an international coach like Sakae is not without hurdles. Cultural differences in training styles may need time to blend, and integrating his ideas with local methods will be key.
Mongolia faces tough competition from powerhouses like the United States, Iran, and Japan. Yet, Sakae’s track record in developing underdogs into champions offers hope.
Looking ahead, joint training camps, such as the one in Dagestan earlier in 2025, could combine with Sakae’s expertise for better results. Athletes have already voiced excitement, with some saying it gives them fresh motivation for 2028.
This partnership reflects a broader trend in Olympic sports, where nations collaborate to elevate performance. For Mongolia, it could mark a new era in wrestling dominance.
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