“Our Goal is to be Champions at the World Championship”

The freestyle wrestlers who achieved remarkable success at the U17 European Championship in Skopje, North Macedonia, have returned home.

With 3 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronzes, the European champion team was warmly welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Namig Abdullayev (Member of the AGF Executive Committee):
“We highly appreciate the efforts of both the athletes and the coaches. On behalf of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation’s leadership, we express our gratitude to the coaching staff and our athletes. The AGF, NOC, and Ministry of Youth and Sports provide significant attention and care to our athletes. Thanks to this, our athletes have consistently represented our country with dignity, raised our flag, and played our anthem. Over the past four years, we have become European champions three times. We have achieved numerous successes in both individual and team standings across U20, U23, and senior categories. In recent years, the Federation has created every condition, especially for the 15–17 age group teams. Training camps are organized both in Baku and the regions, and the results speak for themselves. Since 2022, regional tournaments and national championships have been held for the U15 age group, and our teams have been sent to the U15 European Championships with full squads (13 athletes) by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. As I always emphasize, youth are the foundation. These champions will raise our flag at future senior world and European championships and Olympic Games. The U17 World Championship is approaching, where strong countries like Iran, the USA, and Japan will compete. I believe our wrestlers will represent our country with honor amid fierce competition at the World Championship.”

Asgarkhan Novruzov (Head Coach):
“We were European champions in 2022. In 2023, we narrowly missed the title by one point. Last year, we reclaimed the title, and this year, the situation was challenging. We fought for the championship with the Ukrainian team until the very end and successfully defended our title. We conducted three training camps in preparation for this competition. Everything, from gear, vitamins, and nutrition to accommodation and travel, was in order. On behalf of all the coaches, I express our gratitude to the Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the National Olympic Committee for creating the necessary conditions. June 14 marked the martyrdom day of Miraskar Seyidov. We dedicate our victories to the spirits of all our martyrs, including Miraskar Seyidov, Allahverdi Baghirov, and Mubariz Ibrahimov. They are our crown jewels. I thank everyone who contributed to this success. Our goal is to become champions at the World Championship as well. We will do everything we can to achieve this. We want our youth to grow up with a national spirit. Let me also note that we had six matches against Armenian wrestlers and won five of them.”

Said Pashayev (European Champion):
“Thanks to God, I became a champion. I am grateful to everyone who accompanied me on this journey. This victory is not just mine; it belongs to my family, my team, my coaches, and everyone who believed in me. I especially thank my teachers, who endured hardships with me. Without them, I would not be standing here. My goals are big, and I will do everything to achieve them.”

Revan Hasanzade (European Champion):
“I defeated my Armenian opponent in the final. It was a proud moment for me. Before the European Championship, we held training camps at the Khachmaz Olympic Sports Complex. The camps were tough and challenging, but our hard work paid off. I thank my family, my personal coach, and the team coaches. Without their effort, I couldn’t have achieved this result. My next goal is to become a world champion.”

Ruslan Alizade (European Champion):
“In the semifinals, I defeated an Armenian wrestler, and in the finals, I overcame a Russian wrestler. I dedicate this championship to our martyrs. Hopefully, with good preparation, we will replicate this result at the World Championship.”

Recap:
At the European Championship, Revan Hasanzade (48 kg), Ruslan Alizade (55 kg), and Said Pashayev (92 kg) won gold medals; Hasan Hasanov (60 kg) secured silver; and Ramal Mirhuseynov (51 kg) and Hakim Taghiyev (110 kg) earned bronze medals.