Nuraddin Rajabov: “Our Gold Medals Are a Historic Achievement”

October 28, 2026

The Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestling team, which enjoyed a successful campaign at the Wrestling World Championships in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, has returned home.

A ceremonial welcome was held for the national team at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The team finished second in the overall standings with two gold and one silver medal.

Nuraddin Rajabov, Senior Coach:

“This was a very strong World Championships. Our gold medals can be considered a historic achievement. Eldaniz Azizli became a five-time world champion, while Sanan Suleymanov brought our country a World Championship gold medal in an Olympic weight category for the first time in 15 years. Our hopes for the upcoming Olympic Games have grown even stronger. Watching our athletes compete in these events gives us a clear understanding of what they are capable of.

There are some mistakes we need to address. We could have won more medals. There was some rushing in certain bouts, but we can correct these mistakes. Finishing second in the world is truly a source of pride.

I would like to thank the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the National Olympic Committee. Throughout the year, we were provided with training camps and vitamins. I also thank the parents and all the coaches whose hard work contributed to these medals.”

Eldaniz Azizli (55kg), World Champion:

“We are truly delighted and experiencing special emotions. Our happiness is not just about our individual achievements, but also about the team. Finishing second in the world is a great achievement for Azerbaijani sport.

More prestigious competitions lie ahead. We have certain mistakes to correct, and starting from the new year, we will aim to achieve even better results in upcoming competitions.”

Sanan Suleymanov (77kg), World Champion:

“This was my third World Championship final. I had always dreamed of winning this title and becoming world champion. I lost in the final twice before, but this time I was really well prepared. Thankfully, I finally achieved my goal and became world champion.

There are no weak opponents at the World Championships; every wrestler is a serious contender. The opponents become known some time before the competition. During training camps, we analyse all of them. I had prepared well for my opponents. Thank God, the result was exactly what I had hoped for.”

Nihat Mammadli (63kg), World Silver Medallist:

“I believed in myself. My goal was to become world champion for the second time. I also made a good start in the final and executed my favourite move. However, what happened afterwards disrupted my plans a little. I got caught in a counterattack, and then my opponent took the lead and I lost the bout.

I am not discouraged. I will continue working towards the same goal.”