La Dépêche du Midi, a regional daily newspaper in France, has published an article about an 11-year old Chechen wrestler in Albi, France.

According to the article, Kamil Chakhbiev, an 11-year old Chechen, is the pride of the Olympic Wrestling Club (Club de lutte olympique). Kamil is from Grozny, but due to the ongoing Russian invasion in the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, he and his family left Chechnya for France. For one year, he has fought in the name of his club and he hasn’t yet known the taste of defeat after 15 matches in the 30 kg category. He has also already gained the title of regional champion.

The president of the Olympic Wrestling Club, Bernard Chaboud and his coach, Murad Dautovich Tayamaskhanov, are proud of their young pupil.

Kamil’s coach is a Chechen also. “I have never seen a wrestler who has potential like Kamil. In the competitions, he is able to do extraordinary things,” said Murad Tayamaskhanov, who had been the former assistant coach of the Russian Federation’s Olympic team.

These days, the only downside for Kamil is his age. Because of it, he will not be able to participate in France’s championship. It is a big disappointment for Kamil, but his coach believes that he will eventually be the champion of France. He also believes that he will have success in Europe, the world, and even the Olympic games in the next few years.

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco