Final preparations for the Islamic Games Underway

November 11, 2025

Wrestlers set to represent Azerbaijan at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are continuing their intensive training sessions.

Following the conclusion of the U23 Women’s World Championship, the women’s national team is preparing for the final tournament of the year at the Goygol Olympic Sports Complex. Meanwhile, the other national teams are completing their final preparations at the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation’s training base.

The training camp also includes teams from abroad. Azerbaijan’s Greco-Roman wrestlers are training alongside counterparts from Bulgaria and Algeria. Among the Bulgarian squad is the reigning Olympic champion, Semyon Novikov (87 kg).

In freestyle wrestling, several teams – including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, and Algeria – are preparing together for the Games. Notably, Bahrain’s delegation features Olympic, world, and two-time Asian champion Akhmed Tajudinov.

The preparation phase is scheduled to conclude on November 14, with the national teams departing for Riyadh the following day. Wrestling competitions at the Islamic Games are set to take place from November 18 to 21.

First-Class referee Bashir Isazade will oversee the bouts at the Games.