The Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship has officially begun, with
fierce competition already underway, Azernews
reports. The first day of the tournament saw the final contenders
determined in the Greco-Roman wrestling categories across various
weight classes.
In the 55 kg category, Elmir Aliyev (Neftchi) will face off
against Rashad Mammadov (Neftchi, Shamkir). The 63 kg final will
feature Ziya Babashov (Neftchi) against Sakit Guliyev
(Neftchi).
In the 72 kg category, Faraim Mustafayev (Neftchi) will compete
with Khalid Hasanov (Neftchi). The 82 kg final will see Elmin
Aliyev (MOIK Lankaran) go up against Tuncay Vezirzadeh (Neftchi).
Lastly, in the 97 kg category, Muhammad Ahmadiev (Neftchi) will
take on Murad Ahmadiev (Neftchi).
Tomorrow, the winners in these weight classes will be
determined. Additionally, matches will commence in the 60 kg, 67
kg, 77 kg, 87 kg, and 130 kg categories.
The Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship is shaping up to be an
exciting competition, with Neftchi wrestlers dominating the finals
in several categories.
Wrestling continues to be the most popular sport in Azerbaijan
and is overseen by the National Wrestling Federation, which was
founded in 1993.
The Rio Olympic Games marked a significant milestone in
Azerbaijan’s wrestling history, as the country became one of only
two nations to increase its medal count in five consecutive
Olympics.
In 2020, Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers secured third place in
the overall medal standings at the Individual World Cup held in
Serbia, winning two medals—a silver and a bronze—behind Russia,
which led the table, and Turkiye.
In 2022, Osman Nurmagomedov (92 kg) claimed the World
Championship title in Belgrade, defeating a Russian opponent in the
final match.
At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Azerbaijan earned three bronze
medals in wrestling: Hasrat Jafarov (67 kg) in Greco-Roman, and
Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kg) and Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kg)
in freestyle.