Six Azerbaijani wrestlers reach World Series semi-finals

August 28, 2026

The fourth leg of the Beach Wrestling World Series got underway today in Baku.

The competition, being held in Azerbaijan for the first time, began with the qualification bouts. The tournament then proceeded to the group-stage matches and round-robin contests.

The opening ceremony of the tournament was held during the evening session. Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation Parvin Piriev, and United World Wrestling Bureau member Pedro Silva addressed the ceremony. In their speeches, they noted that beach wrestling has rapidly gained popularity in recent years thanks to its entertaining and dynamic nature, with participation continuing to grow year by year. They also highlighted the high level of organization of the competition being held at the Sea Breeze resort.

Following the opening ceremony, the second and third rounds of the group stage were held.

Six of our representatives have reached the semi-finals in the men’s competition. Tomorrow, two Azerbaijani wrestlers in the 80kg category will face each other for a place in the final. World champion Vusal Aliyev will take on debutant Javid Niftalizade, while another Azerbaijani representative in the category, Sahib Dadashov, will face Georgian wrestler Diego Makharadze.

Two of our wrestlers have advanced to the semi-finals in the 90kg category. Ramiz Hasanov, who returned to beach wrestling after a break, will face Georgian wrestler Evsem Shvelidze with a place in the final at stake, while Ashraf Ashirov will take on another Georgian athlete, Iuza Tsertsvadze.

Another debutant, Javid Feyziyev (+90kg), will also face an athlete from the neighboring country. Our heavyweight wrestler must overcome Tedore Ebanoidze to secure a place in the final.

In the women’s competition, Nargiz Samadova (60kg) will contest her final round-robin bout against Nogana Celine Josee Bakayoko of Côte d’Ivoire.

It should be noted that tomorrow’s competition will begin at 16:00.