The Moldovan athletes have won three bronze medals during the first days of the 2013 World Universiade that is taking place in Russia’s Kazan, IPN reports.

Weightlifter Oleg Sarghi won bronze in the 56 kg class after lifting a total of 246 kg.

Wrestler Igor Besleaga won a bronze medal after scoring three victories in the 75 kg class, while wrestler Anatolie Moldovan won two victories in the 100 kg class. Mihail Cosnicean was close to obtaining a medal in the 66 kg class, but lost the decisive battle to Begench Yagmyrov from Turkmenistan.

On July 7, athletes Olesea Cojuhari and Olga Zaporojan qualified for the semifinals of the 400 m race and 800 m race respectively.

Boxers Alexandru Riscan (56 kg) and Victor Cotiujanschi (81 kg) scored victories in the first matches of the 1/16 finals, while Piotr Apostol (60 kg) and Victor Carpacevschi (75 kg) suffered defeats.

In the medals rankings, Moldova is now the 25th. Russia heads the rankings with 17 medals, seven of which gold.

Athletes Alexei Kravchenko (400 m hurdles) and Serghei Marghiev (hammer throwing), judoka Valeriu Duminică (81 kg) and weightlifter Ion Terna (62 kg) enter the competitions today, July 8.