The strongest wrestlers crowned in Masalli

October 5, 2026

An open tournament in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling among athletes from the Lankaran-Astara region was held in Masalli over the weekend.

The competition, dedicated to the memory of Honoured Coach Nadir Aghayev and the 80th anniversary of Honoured Physical Education and Sports Figure Yagub Mammadov, took place at the Masalli Olympic Sports Complex. Winners were determined in 10 weight categories in Greco-Roman wrestling and five weight categories in freestyle wrestling.

At the opening ceremony, Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation (AWF) Secretary General Parvin Piriyev, Deputy Head of the Lankaran-Astara Regional Youth and Sports Department Konul Manafova, representative of the Masalli District Executive Authority Zamin Mammadov, Honoured Physical Education and Sports Worker Mashkur Gasimov, and Honoured Coach and recipient of the “Shohrat” Order Yagub Mammadov addressed the participants.

It was noted that organising such competitions gives a significant boost to the development of wrestling in the country. It was also emphasised that the students of Masalli wrestling’s prominent figures Nadir Aghayev and Yagub Mammadov continue to represent Azerbaijan with distinction at international and domestic competitions, carrying on the region’s rich wrestling traditions.

Around 300 wrestlers representing 26 teams competed in the traditional U17 tournament.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, the gold medallists were Mahammad Musali (45 kg), Polad Gulverdiyev (48 kg), Ali Javadli (51 kg), Musa Mammadov (55 kg), Ilkin Gurbanov (60 kg), Eldaniz Allahverdiyev (65 kg), Rafail Ahadli (71 kg), Zaka Yusubov (80 kg), Ruslan Nuriyev (92 kg) and Mahammad Orujov (110 kg).

In freestyle wrestling, Ali Baloghlanov (51 kg), Ruslan Mirzayev (60 kg), Ruhid Isparov (65 kg), Siyasat Dadashov (71 kg) and Tural Eynullayev (110 kg) claimed the titles.