Foreign referees evaluate the Azerbaijan Championship

January 16, 2026

International-category referees from abroad were also involved in the Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship held on January 7–11.

Referees holding the highest category (I-S) shared their impressions about the organization of the championship, its overall level, and Azerbaijani wrestling.

Igor Ligay (Kazakhstan):
“This was my second time officiating at the Azerbaijan Championship. Compared to the previous competition, the organization was at a higher level this year. There were many spectators, and there was even a competition among fans in the arena, which helped promote wrestling even more. The refereeing level had also increased significantly. I would like to thank the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation for inviting me and my colleagues to this competition and for the warm welcome. The wrestlers demonstrated good technique. Such development cannot help but make one happy. I believe it will be even better every year, and God willing, Azerbaijani wrestlers will perform successfully at the next Olympics.”

Yerik Jumabekov (Kazakhstan):
“The organization of the championship was at the highest level. Our friends welcomed us very well. I really liked Azerbaijani cuisine and hospitality. Everything was magnificent. The athletes also wrestled very well. The level of competition was high. I think that the athletes competing here in Olympic weight categories can also make their mark at the World Championships. This is already the second year we have come to your country as referees. The refereeing corps has truly developed. I believe that Azerbaijani wrestling will continue to develop further.”

Nima Sadeghi (Iran):
“First of all, I would like to thank the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation for the invitation. Working at the Azerbaijan Championship was very exciting for me. The championship and its organization were at a very high level. Azerbaijan has great strength in wrestling. This country is known for wrestling. Azerbaijan has many world and Olympic champions. Being in your country is very pleasant for me. Baku is very beautiful, and the people are extremely hospitable.”

Marius Kimpoeru (Romania):
“First, I would like to thank the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation for this invitation. Being here is a great honor for me and at the same time a new experience. This is my second time in Azerbaijan. I first came in 2009. Now I observe very big changes and see that this competition is also organized at a high level. It was a tournament full of magnificent matches with very interesting and strong wrestlers, which was very exciting for me.”

Roman Pavlov (Ukraine):
“I am glad to have been invited to the Azerbaijan Championship for the first time. The level of competition among the athletes was high. The tournament had a very good refereeing team. A very good result was achieved from the combination of young and experienced referees. It was a pleasure to work with colleagues. The organization was at a world-class level. The interest of the spectators is the most important point. Working in a full arena gives great pleasure and created high adrenaline. I am very happy that referees from other countries are invited to Azerbaijan’s championships in various age groups as well.”