Oyan Nazariani: “Since our main target is the Youth Olympic Games…”

Azerbaijan’s beach wrestlers, who claimed two gold and one bronze medal at the World Championship in Katerini, Greece, have returned home.

A welcoming ceremony for the team was held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Oyan Nazariani, Head Coach:
“We competed in four weight categories among boys and two among girls. The boys’ team placed third overall, while the girls finished fourth. Since our main target is next year’s Youth Olympic Games, we built the squad mostly from 15–16-year-old wrestlers. Most of the opponents we lost to were a year older than our athletes. We hope each of our wrestlers will achieve strong results at next year’s prestigious tournament. First, the European Championship will be held, which will serve as a test for the Olympic Games. After that, we will focus solely on the Olympics. I would also like to note that our return home coincided with the Remembrance Day. We dedicate our medals to the families of martyrs.”

Ulviyya Musayeva, World champion:
“I expected this result. At the U17 European Championship I could not win a medal, but thankfully I reached my dream at this tournament. I did not expect to win so quickly in the final, but I always believed I could. I dedicate my victory to our martyrs and pray for God’s mercy upon them. My next goal is to win a medal at next year’s Olympic Games.”

Nihad Suleymanli, World champion:
“We prepared very well under the supervision of our head coach. I had six matches and became world champion without conceding a single point to my opponents. I want to thank my personal coach, Alisa Abbasova. I dedicate my victory to our martyrs. Next year, I will aim for gold at the U17 World Championship in Baku and at the Youth Olympic Games.”

Elgun Karimli, World bronze medalist:
“The tournament went very well. It was my first time competing in the U17 age group, and thankfully I did not leave without a medal. I could have been champion too. I faced five opponents, which was exhausting. I just lacked a bit of endurance to claim the gold. Next year, I will try to replace this bronze with gold.”