The 13th edition of the international Sa Strumpa tournament, known locally as “Juntos,” brought traditional global wrestling styles to the town of Villagrande Strisaili in Sardinia, Italy. Held on Friday evening, August 7, 2026, the event transformed the central Piazza della Chiesa into an open-air arena for athletes representing historic wrestling schools from across Europe and Asia, according to local reports.
Global Traditions Meet on Sardinian Tatami
Organized by ASD Sa Strumpa—which is celebrating its 30th anniversary—under the leadership of President Antonio Coccoda and with support from the FIJLKAM Sardinia Regional Committee, the tournament featured body-to-body combat matches. Gherradores from Sardinia faced competitors from traditional schools in Scotland, England, Brittany, and Iceland, alongside representatives from Iran and Kyrgyzstan. According to event organizers, the matches centered on balance, solid grips, and technical execution while maintaining mutual respect between competitors.
Official Competition Results and Category Winners
Competition across multiple weight classes and age groups concluded with official podium placements and special awards assigned at the end of the evening. In the Under 17 category, Cristian Conigiu of Sardinia took first place, followed by compatriot Mimmo Cesarale in second and Michele Muscas in third.
In the 62 kg division, Enrico Montisci claimed the top spot for Sardinia, with Cristian Conigiu placing second and Mattia Rubio third. The 68 kg category saw Thomas Kerebel of Brittany finish first, Max Bates of England take second, and Antonio Angius of Sardinia place third.
Max Freyne of Scotland secured victory in the 75 kg class, ahead of Italy’s Reza Moradi in second and Gurvan Salaün of Brittany in third. In the 81 kg division, Hugo Chonavel of Brittany placed first, Danilar Bektenishov of Italy finished second, and Jack Brown of England took third.
For the heavier weight brackets, Salvatore Oltreo of Sardinia won the up to 90 kg class, and Pier Paolo Demontis of Sardinia captured the up to 100 kg division. In the over-100 kg category, Hákon Gunnarsson of Iceland claimed first place, Zac Singleton of England finished second, and Gunnar Thoransson of Iceland took third.
Special Awards and Local Festivities
Judges and organizers handed out two major individual honors at the conclusion of the tournament. Max Freyne of Scotland received the award for best wrestler, while Danilar Bektenishov of Italy was recognized for the best Strumpa technique.
The sporting competition was followed by the traditional Sagra dei Gathulis, offering local culinary specialties to attendees and competitors alike in Villagrande Strisaili.
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