Our referees’ categories have been upgraded

December 22, 2025

Azerbaijani wrestling officiating has achieved another success.

Referees representing different regions of the country have been promoted to higher categories.

Bashir Isazade has been promoted to the I-S category, the highest rank in wrestling officiating. The referee from Lankaran, who ensured fair play at the U23 European Championship, the U20 World Championship, and the Islamic Solidarity Games this year, has justified the trust of United World Wrestling (UWW). It should be noted that referees holding this category are eligible to officiate at all competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Two more Azerbaijani referees have also joined the ranks of international officials. Samir Hajiyev (Astara) and Akbar Mammadli (Goychay), who officiated at the Veterans World Championships held on October 7–12 in Tatabánya, Hungary, successfully passed the examination and, by decision of UWW, were awarded the status of International Category III referees.

As a result, the number of Azerbaijan’s international wrestling referees has increased to 25.