Nuraddin Rajabov: “Some of These Boys Will Become Olympic Medalists — Even Champions”

The Greco-Roman wrestlers who claimed six medals at the U20 European Championship in Caorle, Italy, have returned home.

A welcome ceremony and media briefing were held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport for the national team, which finished second in the team standings with one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

Nuraddin Rajabov, Head Coach:

“The competition featured the strongest wrestlers in Europe. We narrowly trailed Georgia in the final standings. I thank our federation for organizing domestic and international training camps. These medals are the result of that support. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to this success. Around 30 percent of our wrestlers were injured. It’s true, we could have won more golds—but still, we are thankful. I believe we achieved a great result. Our main goal is to prepare athletes properly for the senior level. I truly believe that some of these boys will become Olympic medalists—even champions.”

Aykhan Javadov, European Champion:

“Thanks to God, I became champion in my very first appearance at the U20 European Championship. I thank everyone who supported me. I dedicate this victory to my family. The tournament was very tough. The semifinal match against the Georgian wrestler stands out in particular—I beat him 4:1. In the final, I faced last year’s European champion from Sweden and defeated him to become champion. God willing, I’ll repeat this result at the upcoming World Championship.”

Turan Dashdamirov, European Silver Medalist:

“The tournament went well. Thanks to God, I won a silver medal—though it could have been gold. I missed two chances in par terre during the final. Hopefully, I’ll fix my mistakes and become world champion. I want to thank my parents, my personal coach Akif Aliyev, and the national team coaches. I hope to do even better going forward.”

Tural Ahmadov, European Silver Medalist:

“The competition was held at a very high level. I wrestled exactly the way I wanted up until the final. I made some mistakes there, but I’ll work on those and aim to become world champion. Thanks to the national team coaches and my personal coach for their support.”

Davud Mammadov, European Silver Medalist:

“My toughest opponent was in the semifinal. I defeated my Armenian opponent there. In the final, an early mistake cost me the match. I had better stats than my opponent in many areas, but I made a tactical error. I’ll work to correct that before the World Championship.”

Feraim Mustafayev, European Bronze Medalist:

“We prepared for this tournament at a high level. I was in good form. In the semifinal, I lost a match that I was leading. I was up 5:0 and tried to execute a chest throw, but I made a mistake and was taken down. That narrow lead gave my Russian opponent confidence, and I made several errors in a row, which led to defeat. I need to work on these mistakes and prepare better for the World Championship. God willing, I’ll do everything I can to become champion there.”

Elmin Aliyev, European Bronze Medalist:

“I went to this tournament aiming to become champion. Thank God, I didn’t return empty-handed. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me—especially my personal coach Ali Aghayev, head coach Nuraddin Rajabov, and the rest of our coaching staff. My next goals are to become champion at both the U20 and U23 World Championships this year.”