Khetag Gazyumov: “We will not be satisfied with this success”

April 28, 2026

The national freestyle wrestling team, which became European champion in the team standings in Tirana, the capital of Albania, has returned home.

A ceremonial was held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport for our team, which won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals.

Khetag Gazyumov, head coach:
“We are very happy and proud to have become European champions in the team standings. Our championship is the result of working together as a team. I express my gratitude to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, as well as to everyone who supports us, prays for us, and gets excited for us. On the occasion of this victory, I congratulate the coaches, athletes, and medical staff. Of course, we will not be satisfied with this success. Everyone’s effort and hard work are significant. Now we will take a short rest. After that, we will begin preparations for the World Championship. We will try to justify the trust of our fans with new victories.”

Elchin Zeynalov, Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports:
“Our athletes made the Azerbaijani people happy. Our team became European champions. I congratulate our coaches, athletes, and our people on this achievement. May God grant them long lives. I wish them to win gold medals at the Olympic Games as well.”

Islam Bazarganov, European champion:
“I am very happy to have become a European champion. I had won bronze medals twice before. Thank God, this time I was able to turn the color of my medal into gold. My opponent was strong. I am glad that I was able to take revenge for my defeat at the World Championship. My toughest bout was in the final. I was leading 8:0. The opponent increased the tempo and reduced the gap. It was not possible to relax.”

Ali Tsokayev, European champion:
“This was my first appearance at the senior European Championship. I am very happy that I won a gold medal on my debut. The Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation played a major role in this success. Therefore, I dedicate my victory to our federation and to the fans who rejoiced in my win. I also expect a gold medal from the World Championship. For this, I will work very hard on myself with the support of our coaches.”

Giorgi Meshvildishvili, European champion:
“I defended my title. On the occasion of this victory, I express my gratitude to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, and the coaching staff. As long as I continue my career, I will always try to contribute to Azerbaijani wrestling.”

Turan Bayramov, European silver medalist:
“After five years, I reached the final of the European Championship again. Of course, my goal was the gold medal. I lost by a minimal margin. Thankfully, I did not remain without a medal. There is strong competition in the 74 kg weight class. I believe that by strengthening my training even more, I will turn this silver into gold at the World Championship. Our national team is truly very strong. Our representatives are in the top four of the rankings in all weight categories. This shows how strong our team is.”

Arseniy Djioyev, European silver medalist:
“Thank you, Azerbaijan. I am grateful for your support. I thank God for awarding me with a silver medal. I express my gratitude to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation. During this period, the federation created every possible condition for us. The work we put in showed that we are on the right path. With God’s help, I will soon turn the silver medal into gold. I thank all the coaches who contributed to this victory.”

Jabrayil Hajiyev, European bronze medalist:
“I thank the Azerbaijani people for their support. We finished first in the team standings. I express my gratitude to the federation, the coaching staff, and the doctors. I made certain mistakes in the semifinal. I will work on these mistakes in training. The World Championship is ahead. I want to win a gold medal there. This was my second appearance at the European Championship. I had lost in 2022. Now I have won my first medal.”

Osman Nurmagomedov:
“This was my first European Championship competing in the 97 kg weight class. My opponent was an Olympic and World medalist and a three-time European champion. The bout was difficult for me. Physically, I was not strong enough. By the end of the year, I will improve my physical strength. Before the World Championship, we will participate in a ranking tournament. If I prove myself in that competition in this weight class, then it will be considered appropriate for me to compete in the World Championship. One of the most competitive weight classes in freestyle wrestling is 97 kg. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Khetag Gazyumov, who was selected as Europe’s best freestyle wrestling coach for 2025.”