Namig Guliyev: “We Dedicate Our Victory to the Armed Forces”

The freestyle wrestling national team, which won the U15 European Championship held in Caorle, Italy, has returned home.

A welcoming ceremony was held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport for the team, which became champions in the team rankings with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal.

Namig Guliyev, Head Coach:
“We achieved the best result in Italy to date. We had six finalists, and four of our athletes wrestled for bronze. I am satisfied with the team’s performance. Any issues that arose there were promptly resolved by our federation. We faced no difficulties, and as a result, we achieved such a victory. The main reason for this success is the federation’s high level of care and attention. The training camps held in Khachmaz and Mardakan were a significant boost to our success in the competition. Our coaches – Elshad Allaverdiyev, Khagan Suleymanov, and Emin Azizov – made tremendous sacrifices on this journey. We dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces.”

Huseyn Rzazade, European Champion:
“I prepared intensively for this competition. We participated in high-level training camps. God willing, I will continue bringing gold medals to Azerbaijan.”

Elgun Karimli, European Champion:
“Thankfully, my efforts did not go to waste. I owe this success to my coach. This is just the beginning. In the future, I will strive for even better results. I dedicate my victory to our martyrs. I prepared well for the final with our head coach Namig Guliyev. Although my opponent was strong, my coach motivated me, saying, ‘You will win.’ Thankfully, that’s exactly what happened. Despite some mistakes at the beginning, I did not lose focus. I kept my motivation high, worked hard, and won in the second half.”

Javanshir Suleymanov, European Runner-up:
“This medal could have been gold. However, a lack of experience and age played a role. God willing, I promise to return with gold next year. I thank my personal coach and father, Khagan Suleymanov, all the national team coaches, and the Wrestling Federation.”

Ibrahim Hasanov, European Runner-up:
“Last year, I became the champion. This time, I finished second. Still, I’m grateful—I didn’t leave without a medal. Due to some mistakes and rushing, I lost in the final. God willing, I promise to become the champion next year. I thank my family and personal coach Rauf Khalilov.”

Akbar Asgarov, European Runner-up:
“This competition was very important for me. I could have become the champion. Due to some mistakes, I lost the gold medal. We will focus on future competitions. Next year, the U17 World Championship might be held in Baku. God willing, we will raise Azerbaijan’s flag in our homeland. I thank my personal coach Parviz Ibrahimov, the national team coaches, and my family.”

Mohammad Hasanli, European Runner-up:
“I could have swapped the silver for gold. However, due to certain technical errors, I lost. God willing, I will return with a gold medal next year.”

Khayal Shukurlu, European Bronze Medalist:
“Thankfully, I became a European bronze medalist. I will work harder to become a European champion next year. In the match for third place, I defeated my Armenian opponent. Although I was trailing 0:4 in the first half, thanks to the motivation provided by our coaches, I won 7:4 in the second half. This is the second time I’ve defeated this opponent this year.”