Toghrul Asgarov: “I consider such situations normal in cadet and junior categories”

August 25, 2025

The Azerbaijani women’s wrestling team has returned home from the U20 World Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria, having won one silver and one bronze medal.

A welcoming ceremony for the team was held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Toghrul Asgarov, acting head coach:
“At the U20 European Championships, two of our three wrestlers won gold. We expected a similar outcome at this tournament and came very close. Gunay lost in the semifinals, and Ruzanna lost in the final at the very last moment. I consider such situations normal in cadet and junior categories. My hope is that these mistakes will not be repeated at senior-level World Championships or the Olympic Games. We need to work harder and show more determination. Our team is young, the road is long, and our goals are very ambitious. We have strong support from the Federation. We will strive to meet this support and attention. Hopefully, everything will go as planned. Sometimes consecutive competitions can cause psychological fatigue in the girls. Nevertheless, winning two medals in three weight categories at both the European and World Championships is a great achievement. It is very encouraging that these girls have such great potential.”

Rovshan Umudov, senior coach:
“The World Championships are a very tough tournament. Both the psychological aspect and the competition itself are very different from the European Championships. There are very strong opponents from Asian countries. Despite this, everything was going well. Only a few tactical mistakes were made, which cost us the championship. We were well-prepared. We expect even greater results from these two wrestlers. They must always stay ready and train harder. I believe we will correct these mistakes in the future, which will lead to even better results.”

Ruzanna Mammadova, World silver medalist:
“The tournament was very strong. The participation of Asian countries made it even more challenging. I reached the final by defeating strong opponents. In the first period of the final, everything went well—I was leading 6-0. In the second period, I became very tired. My endurance was not enough, so I fell behind 6-6 and lost on the last-point rule. True, the result does not satisfy me. I went there for gold. But I am grateful for this outcome. Hopefully, next year I will return with gold. My main target is the Olympics. I hope to qualify and represent my country with honor. These competitions are just a step on the way there. I also hope to perform well at the U23 World Championships.”

Gunay Gurbanova, World bronze medalist:
“My goal was to become World Champion. I was overconfident in the semifinals and expected to reach the final. But things turned out differently. I do not get discouraged. This taught me a lesson not to underestimate any opponent. Next month, I will compete at the senior World Championships. I am not nervous and will prepare for the tournament with strong motivation.”