Freestyle wrestling
Table of Contents
History of Freestyle wrestling
A popular and beloved discipline in our country, freestyle wrestling bears a resemblance to traditional Azerbaijani wrestling. Originating in Lancashire, England, freestyle wrestling later gained prominence as a professional sport in the United States and gradually spread across the globe.
In freestyle wrestling, athletes can execute techniques using both the upper and lower limbs — arms and legs — making it more dynamic than Greco-Roman wrestling. Signature techniques in this style include the fireman’s carry, leg trips, and various arm and head throws.
The first European Championship in freestyle wrestling was held in 1929, while the inaugural World Championship took place in 1951. The discipline has been a part of the Olympic Games since 1904.
Rules
Each freestyle match consists of two three-minute periods, totaling six minutes of active competition. However, for cadets (U17 and U15), bouts are shortened to four minutes (two minutes per period). A match can end early with a pin (fall) or a 10-point technical superiority. Successful techniques are scored with 1, 2, 4, or 5 points, depending on their complexity and execution.
Freestyle wrestling competitions are held across 10 weight categories. Six of these (57 kg, 65 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg, and 125 kg) are Olympic weights, while the remaining four (61 kg, 70 kg, 79 kg, and 92 kg) are non-Olympic classes.
The road to grow
In Azerbaijan, the emergence and development of freestyle wrestling mark a significant chapter in the country’s sports history. Introduced in the early 20th century, the sport gradually evolved into a professional pursuit.
The first wrestling competitions were held in the 1920s in major cities like Baku and Ganja. During that time, local sports clubs such as “Dynamo” and “Neftçi” began offering freestyle wrestling classes. Wrestling was widely regarded as a national sporting tradition and was commonly known as “nomadic wrestling” or “people’s wrestling.”
Between the 1930s and 1950s, wrestling schools and sports societies were established, and Azerbaijani wrestlers started participating in USSR-wide competitions.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the Azerbaijani freestyle wrestling school began to take shape. Azerbaijani athletes competing for the Soviet national team achieved remarkable success. A structured coaching system was put in place, and a new generation of wrestlers emerged. Competitions spread to rural districts and villages, further popularizing the sport.
Pioneers such as Rashid Mammadbeyov — our nation’s first Olympic medalist — and Aydin Ibrahimov — Azerbaijan’s first world and European champion — paved the way for future generations, elevating the country’s status in international wrestling. They were soon followed by standout names such as Rafiq Hajiyev, Telman Pashayev, Khazar Isayev, Rahim Novruzov, Aslan Agayev, and Hasrat Mammadiyarov, who all contributed to the sport’s legacy.
The wrestlers who left a mark
In the post-independence era, freestyle wrestling in Azerbaijan entered a new phase of growth and mass appeal. Among all wrestling disciplines, it is in freestyle where our country has produced the most Olympic champions. Notable Olympic gold medalists include Namig Abdullayev (Sydney 2000), Togrul Asgarov, and Sharif Sharifov (London 2012). Alongside them, stars such as Arif Abdullayev, Haji Aliyev, Khetag Gazyumov, and Jabrayil Hasanov are recognized as the brightest ambassadors of Azerbaijani freestyle wrestling.
