Wrestling is a popular sport in Algeria, and the country has produced some of the world’s best wrestlers. Algerian wrestlers have won numerous medals at the Olympics, World Championships, African Championships, and other international competitions.
From the legendary Hamza Yacef to the current stars such as Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algerian wrestlers have made a lasting impression on the sport. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best wrestlers Algeria has to offer.
We’ll look at their achievements, their stories, and what makes them great.
1. Yassine Djakrir
Yassine Djakrir is an Algerian athlete who is well known for his prowess in the sport of wrestling. He competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in the Greco-Roman 63 kg category, representing his home country of Algeria.
Djakrir was no stranger to success, having previously been a three-time African champion in the same weight class from 1998 to 2000. His Olympic performance was impressive, as he managed to reach the quarter-finals before being eliminated.
Although he was not able to make it to the podium, Djakrir’s achievement was still notable, as he was the first Algerian wrestler to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics.
His performance has been an inspiration to many Algerian athletes, and he is a respected figure in the Algerian sporting community.
2. Adem Boudjemline
Adem Boudjemline is an Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved success in the Summer Olympics.
He first competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in the Men’s Greco-Roman -85 kg event, where he finished in 17th place after being defeated by Nikolay Bayryakov of Bulgaria in the 1/8 finals round.
In 2020, he had the opportunity to represent his home country of Algeria at the Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. This was a great honor for Boudjemline and an incredible opportunity to showcase his skills in front of the world.
He was likely very proud to represent his country and to gain the experience of competing in such a high-level event.
It is clear that Boudjemline is a dedicated athlete who is passionate about the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling, and he will no doubt continue to strive for excellence in the years to come.
3. Mohamed Hachaichi
Mohamed Hachaichi was an Algerian wrestler who is remembered for his amazing performance at the 1980 Summer Olympics. He competed in the men’s freestyle 52 kg category, which requires competitors to weigh no more than 52 kilograms.
During the Olympic games, Hachaichi put on a great show for the crowd and earned a lot of respect from his opponents. He was able to make it to the quarter-finals, where he was eventually eliminated. Despite this, his performance left a lasting impression on the wrestling world.
Hachaichi was born in Algeria and started wrestling at a young age. He had a natural talent for the sport and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a national champion by the time he was 21 years old.
After his success at the national level, he decided to take his skills to the international stage. He competed in a number of competitions, including the 1980 Summer Olympics.
His performance at the Olympics was highly acclaimed and he was seen as a role model for aspiring Algerian wrestlers. Hachaichi’s legacy lives on to this day. He is remembered as a dedicated athlete who worked hard to achieve his goals.
He inspired many people with his commitment to the sport and his determination to succeed. His performance at the Olympics will always be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Algerian wrestling history.
4. Mazouz Ben Djedaa
Mazouz Ben Djedaa is an Algerian wrestler who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Greco-Roman 68 kg weight class. This is a discipline in Olympic wrestling that requires wrestlers to only use their upper body to attack their opponents.
Mazouz Ben Djedaa was one of the best wrestlers in Algeria at the time and was the first Algerian to compete in the Greco-Roman discipline at the Olympics. He was also the first Algerian to win a medal in the world championship for Greco-Roman wrestling.
Unfortunately, Mazouz Ben Djedaa was unable to win a medal at the 1992 Olympics. He was eliminated in the early rounds, but his participation still made history for Algerian wrestling.
He opened the door for future Algerian wrestlers to compete and make a name for themselves at the Olympics. Mazouz Ben Djedaa’s legacy still lives on in Algeria, and he is remembered as a pioneer of Algerian wrestling.
His courage and dedication to the sport opened the door for future Algerian wrestlers to make a name for themselves on the world stage.
5. Omar Kedjaouer
Omar Kedjaouer is an Algerian wrestler who is well known for his achievements in the sport. He was born in Algeria and has been competing in wrestling since childhood. Kedjaouer is a two-time African champion, having won the African championship in 1994 and 1996.
He is also a two-time Olympian, having competed in the men’s freestyle 52 kg at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
He was able to reach the quarter-finals of the 1996 Olympics but was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2000 Olympics. Kedjaouer has also competed in multiple World Championships, the Mediterranean Games, and the Pan-Arab Games.
He has won numerous medals in international competitions, including a gold medal at the Pan Arab Games in 1997. He is currently a coach for the Algerian national wrestling team.
Kedjaouer is a respected figure in the world of wrestling, and his accomplishments have been widely celebrated in Algeria. He is an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers in Algeria and around the world, and he continues to serve as a role model for athletes everywhere.
6. Tarek Aziz Benaissa
Tarek Aziz Benaissa is a Greco-Roman wrestler from Algeria who has competed in the Olympics in 2012 and 2016. In 2012, he was given a bye for the preliminary round of sixteen, meaning he automatically advanced to the next round.
Unfortunately, he was unable to win the match against Zaur Kuramagomedov. Kuramagomedov scored one point in each of the two straight periods of the match, leaving Benaissa with no points. This resulted in Benaissa’s loss in the match.
Despite this, Benaissa has shown exceptional skill in the sport and has been able to compete in the Olympics on multiple occasions, which speaks to his level of athletic prowess.
7. Mohamed Moualek
Mohamed Moualek is an Algerian wrestler who attended the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. He competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 68 kg division.
This type of wrestling is a form of amateur wrestling that prohibits holds below the waist and involves the use of the upper body and arms, as opposed to freestyle wrestling, which allows the use of the legs.
Moualek strived to make his country proud and represented Algeria on the world stage. His dedication and hard work paid off as he proudly competed against the best athletes in the world.
Moualek is a symbol of hope and courage for Algerian athletes and is an inspiration for many. He is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
8. Youssef Bouguerra
Youssef Bouguerra is a highly accomplished Algerian wrestler. He has represented his country in two different Olympic Games, first in the 1992 Summer Olympics and then again in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
This showcases his immense talent and dedication to the sport, having competed at the highest level of competition in the world on two separate occasions. At the 1992 Summer Olympics, Youssef Bouguerra competed in the men’s freestyle wrestling in the 54kg category.
Despite the intense competition, he was able to make a mark in the event and put Algeria on the global wrestling map. Four years later, in the 1996 Summer Olympics, Youssef Bouguerra once again stepped onto the mat to represent his country.
This time, he was competing in the 57kg category. Despite the increased difficulty of the competition, Youssef Bouguerra was still able to make his presence felt and gain respect from his opponents.
It is clear that Youssef Bouguerra is a highly talented wrestler who has made a great contribution to the Algerian wrestling scene. By competing in two different Olympic Games, he has shown that he is not only a dedicated athlete but also a true ambassador of his country.
9. Mohammed Fardj
Mohammed Fardj is an Algerian freestyle wrestler who has achieved great success in his career. He has won a bronze medal at the African Games and has been a three-time medalist at the African Wrestling Championships, including two gold medals.
This makes him one of the most successful Algerian wrestlers of recent years. Fardj is a highly-regarded athlete, having achieved a great deal in a relatively short time.
He has proved himself to be a formidable competitor, achieving success at both the African Games and African Wrestling Championships.
In addition to his success at these tournaments, he has also become a three-time medalist, including two gold medals, making him one of the most successful wrestlers from Algeria. Fardj’s success has made him a role model for aspiring wrestlers from Algeria and across the continent of Africa.
He is a testament to the fact that hard work and dedication to the sport can bring rewards, and his example inspires others to continue striving for success.
As an Algerian athlete, Fardj is a source of pride for his nation, and his achievements are an example of what can be achieved when dedication and effort are put into sports.
10. Abdelhak Kherbache
Abdelhak Kherbache is a highly successful Algerian freestyle wrestler. He has achieved great success at the African Wrestling Championships, having earned a total of eight medals: four gold, three silver, and one bronze.
This impressive achievement has earned him the title of two-time medalist, including gold, at the African Games.
His consistent success in the sport has put him in the spotlight in Algeria and the rest of the continent, and his reputation as a champion wrestler continues to grow. He is an example of hard work and dedication that many athletes can look up to.
11. Fateh Benferdjallah
Fateh Benferdjallah is an Algerian freestyle wrestler who had the honor of representing his country at the 2019 African Games held in Rabat, Morocco. He competed in the men’s freestyle 86 kg event, and despite facing stiff competition, he was able to reach the finals.
Unfortunately, he lost to Ayoub Barraj of Tunisia in the final, but still managed to win a silver medal for his efforts.
This result is impressive, especially when considering the level of competition he faced, and it is a testament to Fateh Benferdjallah’s skill and determination as a freestyle wrestler.
12. Abdelkarim Fergat
Abdelkarim Fergat is an Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved remarkable success in his sport. He has won four gold medals in his event at the African Wrestling Championships, establishing himself as one of the top Greco-Roman wrestlers in the region.
Furthermore, he has also competed at the World Wrestling Championships, in both 2018 and 2019, showcasing his skill and determination on the international stage.
His success is a testament to his dedication to the sport, and he has become an inspiration to many aspiring Greco-Roman wrestlers.
13. Hamza Haloui
Hemza Haloui is a professional Greco-Roman wrestler from Algeria. He is a highly accomplished athlete in his field, having competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
At the Games, Haloui participated in the Men’s Greco-Roman -98 kg event, the heavyweight division of Greco-Roman wrestling. He was a strong contender for a medal in the event, but ultimately did not place.
Despite this, his Olympic participation is a testament to his talent and skill in Greco-Roman wrestling. Haloui is a very experienced wrestler, having competed in numerous international tournaments.
He is a two-time Pan Arab champion, a two-time African champion, and a two-time world cup bronze medalist. He has also represented Algeria in the African Championships, the Mediterranean Games, the World Championships, and the Islamic Solidarity Games.
His impressive resume speaks volumes about his ability as a wrestler. Haloui’s dedication to the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling is admirable. He continues to train and compete, striving to improve his technique and further his career.
It is clear that Haloui has a bright future ahead of him, and his Olympic performance is only a glimpse of what he can achieve.
14. Bachir Sid Azara
Bachir Sid Azara is a celebrated Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler. He has achieved significant success in international competitions and has won a total of eight medals at the African Wrestling Championships – five gold medals and three silver medals.
His impressive record of accomplishments was further enhanced in 2019 when he earned a gold medal at the African Games, followed by another gold medal at the 2022 Mediterranean Games.
His impressive achievements have been widely recognized in Algeria and around the world, and have made him one of the top Greco-Roman wrestlers in the world.
15. Samir Bouguerra
Samir Bouguerra is an Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler who competes in the men’s heavyweight division. He achieved a great success in 2007 when he won a silver medal at the All-Africa Games in Algiers.
He was unable to win the gold medal, however, as he lost to the Egyptian wrestler and defending Olympic champion Karam Gaber. This was an impressive feat, as it showed that Bouguerra was capable of competing against the very best wrestlers in the world.
Bouguerra has continued to compete in Greco-Roman wrestling and his accomplishments in 2007 show that he has the potential to become a world-class athlete.
16. Abdelmalek Merabet
Abdelmalek Merabet is an Algerian wrestler specializing in the Greco-Roman style. Greco-Roman wrestling is a form of wrestling that features moves that are mostly restricted to the upper body.
It is an ancient form of wrestling, having originated in the 19th century in France and is now one of the four major styles of international amateur wrestling. Merabet is no stranger to the international wrestling scene, having competed in multiple tournaments around the world.
He was most recently seen in action at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. There, he competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 67 kg event. This is the lightest category of Greco-Roman wrestling, with a weight limit of 67 kilograms or roughly 147 pounds.
Merabet ultimately did not medal at the Olympics, but his presence on the Algerian team was a source of pride and inspiration for the country.
17. Mohamed Riad Louafi
Mohamed Riad Louafi is an Algerian freestyle wrestler who specializes in the light heavyweight category. He is an amateur wrestler, meaning he does not compete professionally. Louafi achieved the honor of representing Algeria at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
There, he competed in the men’s 84 kg class against other athletes from around the world. Although he did not win a medal at the Olympics, Louafi has undoubtedly achieved a great feat by qualifying and competing in the Olympics.
His dedication to his sport and his country are admirable, and he is a great example of the power of hard work and determination.
18. Mohamed Serir
Mohamed Serir is an Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler who competes in the men’s welterweight category. He is an amateur athlete, which means he does not receive a salary for competing.
Serir has achieved considerable success in his discipline, winning two medals in the African Wrestling Championships. In 2008, he was selected to compete in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he competed in the 66 kg class.
This marked his official debut in the Olympic Games and was a major accomplishment for him. Despite not winning a medal at the Olympics, Serir’s performance was impressive and he has gone on to become a respected wrestler in Algeria and across Africa.
19. Messaoud Zeghdane
Messaoud Mohammed Zeghdane is an Algerian amateur Greco-Roman wrestler who competes in the men’s middleweight category.
He is best known for his participation in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he represented Algeria in the men’s 74 kg class. Zeghdane is an experienced Greco-Roman wrestler, having competed in a number of international tournaments.
He won a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan Arab Games and was a finalist at the 2008 African Championships.
In addition, he was the runner-up at the 2008 African Olympic qualifying tournament, securing his place in the Beijing Olympic Games. At the Beijing Olympics, Zeghdane did not progress beyond the qualification stage, but he still made a strong impression with his performances.
His most impressive result came in the first round of the Greco-Roman 74 kg class, where he managed to secure a draw with a highly-rated Russian wrestler.
This was seen as a major achievement, and it demonstrated his skill and determination as an Algerian wrestler. Although Zeghdane did not win any medals at the Beijing Olympics, he still made a huge impression as an Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler.
His performances in Beijing showed that he is an athlete of great potential, and he is sure to continue competing at the highest level in the future.
20. Samir Benchenaf
Samir Benchenaf is a retired Algerian Greco-Roman wrestler. He was an amateur wrestler, meaning he did not compete professionally. He competed in the men’s featherweight category, which is a weight class for wrestlers below a certain weight limit.
This means that Samir had to maintain a certain level of fitness and physical conditioning in order to stay within the weight limit set by the competition.
During his career, Samir competed against other amateur wrestlers from around the world, showing his dedication and skill to the sport.
His mastery of Greco-Roman wrestling, which is an ancient style of wrestling originating in Ancient Greece, earned him recognition amongst the wrestling community.
Throughout his career, he won numerous awards and trophies, becoming one of the most successful amateur Algerian wrestlers ever.
After retiring from professional wrestling, Samir continues to be an active member of the wrestling community, offering advice and guidance to young aspiring wrestlers.
Conclusion
The best wrestling players in Algeria have demonstrated a remarkable level of skill and prowess that has been recognized around the world.
From the Olympic champions to those who have won international tournaments and events, these athletes have achieved great success and recognition from both their home country and abroad.
Their dedication and hard work have earned them admiration and respect from the wrestling community. As a result, Algeria is now considered one of the best countries in the world for wrestling.
