Oyan Nezeriani: “Next year, our goal is to become world champions in the team standings…”

Azerbaijan’s Beach Wrestling World Champions Return Home from Alexandria, Egypt

Azerbaijan’s beach wrestling team, who triumphed at the World Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, has returned home. A welcoming ceremony was held for the delegation at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Head Coach Oyan Nezeriani:

“This was the last beach wrestling tournament of the year — the final stage of the World Series. We competed in two weight categories, 80 kg and 90 kg, and became world champions in both. Based on the points collected across the five stages, 19-year-old Vusal Aliyev was crowned world champion at 80 kg. It was his first appearance at a senior World Championship. Our experienced wrestler Ibrahim Yusubov became world champion for the fourth time, once again making us proud. Sahib Dadashov also competed in the 80 kg division and earned a bronze medal in the final stage of the series.

We have already set our plans for next year. We have selected athletes who may compete at the Youth Olympic Games. The year 2026 will be a very important one for us. Beach wrestling includes four men’s and four women’s weight categories. Next year, we plan to participate in all four men’s divisions to become world champions in the team standings.

The main reason behind our success is the professional and strategic approach of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation to beach wrestling. This sport is still developing globally, but it’s growing rapidly. Many countries have already secured their place among the top nations — and we are proud to be one of them. Thanks to the federation’s visionary policies, we’ve achieved these remarkable results. We will continue to strengthen our ambitions in beach wrestling.”

Ibrahim Yusubov, World Champion:

“This is my fourth world title. The tournament was held at a very high level. We were well prepared and gave our best in training to raise our flag high and hear our national anthem. Thankfully, we succeeded. I’m grateful to the federation’s leadership, our head coach, and my personal coaches for their support. Together with Coach Oyan, we decided this would be my final competition. Considering my age, I felt it was time to end my career on a high note — with victory. I’m happy to retire on such a positive note. If the federation deems it appropriate, I’m ready to continue contributing as a coach for the national team.”

Vusal Aliyev, World Champion:

“We’ve been preparing for this competition for months. I took part in all four stages of this year’s World Series and didn’t return empty-handed from any of them. The final stage was decisive, and since my overall score was the highest, I became the world champion. I’d like to thank our head coach and my personal coach, Qurban Novruzov, for their support. I plan to stay in the same weight category next year.”

Sahib Dadashov, World Series Bronze Medalist:

“It was my first participation in this tournament. It was both exciting and very demanding, but everything went smoothly. I believe that next year, I’ll achieve even better results.”