Three more medals at the Islamic Games

November 20, 2025

The wrestling competitions continue at the Islamic Solidarity Games being held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Today, contests were held in two men’s freestyle and three women’s wrestling weight categories.

Freestyle Wrestling

Islam Bazarganov (57 kg) defeated Iran’s Ali Momenijujadeh 4:2 in his opening match and then beat Afghanistan’s Sayed Zazai by technical superiority (11:0) to advance to the final. In the decisive bout, he lost 3:9 to Kyrgyzstan’s Abdumalik Karachov and claimed the silver medal.

Ali Rahimzade (65 kg) won his debut match against Turkey’s Ahmet Duman with a score of 5:1 and then left no chance to Egypt’s Said Elqash — 10:2. Our athlete was defeated 0:7 in the semifinal by Iran’s two-time world champion and Olympic medalist Rahman Amouzad. Rahimzade wrestled Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov for bronze but lost 3:8.

Women’s Wrestling

Ruzanna Mammadova (62 kg) demonstrated agility and high-level technique on her way to the final. In her opening match, she defeated Palestine’s Ayla Mayali by technical superiority (10:0). She then secured a confident victory over Uzbekistan’s Nigina Sabirova — 6:0. In the final, Mammadova faced Nigeria’s Esther Kolawole. Although she put up a determined fight against the experienced opponent, she conceded victory in the final seconds and completed her debut Islamic Games with a silver medal.

Nigar Mirzazade (68 kg) began the tournament confidently. She defeated Indonesia’s Desi Sintaya 12:7 to reach the semifinal but was unable to overcome Kyrgyzstan’s Meerim Jumanazarova — 1:12. Nigar was scheduled to face Bangladesh’s Halima Akter for bronze.

Zahra Karimzade (76 kg) eliminated Uzbekistan’s Sevinchchoy Polvonova in the opening round — 5:0. Our young wrestler then lost 0:10 in the quarterfinal to Cameroon’s Vilita Pelagie. Since Bangladesh’s Halima Akter did not appear for the bronze medal match, Mirzazade was awarded third place on the podium.

Tomorrow, our remaining four freestyle wrestlers will compete.