Toghrul Asgarov: “Our Path Leads to the Olympics”

The women’s national team, which claimed two gold medals at the U20 European Championship in Caorle, Italy, has returned home.

A welcome ceremony and press briefing were held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Toghrul Asgarov, Acting Head Coach:

“First of all, I congratulate our athletes for giving us the joy of this victory. They gave everything they had, and everyone witnessed that. I extend my sincere thanks to the federation as well—they provide everything our athletes need and more. Our path leads to the Olympics. There’s no stopping on this road. As we’ve mentioned in previous interviews, our team is young, and the road ahead is long, open, and bright. The U20 and senior World Championships are ahead of us. There’s very little time, but we will do everything we can—more than everything, if possible.”

Rovshan Umudov, Head Coach:

“Women’s wrestling is progressing. Thanks to the attention shown by the federation’s leadership, this progress will become even more evident in upcoming competitions. Young girls are being developed. I believe that in a short time, we’ll be able to participate in tournaments with a full lineup. Women’s wrestling will make its mark. Just as our freestyle and Greco-Roman teams place at the top of the standings in European Championships, I believe our women’s team will do the same in the U17 and U20 categories within a year or two.”

Gunay Gurbanova, European Champion:

“The tournament went very well. Thank God, I was able to become European champion for the second time this year. I’m extremely happy. I thank all the coaches and the federation’s leadership. My next goal is to perform well at the U20 World Championship. We will prepare for it. God willing, everything will go well.”

Ruzanna Mammadova, European Champion:

“The tournament was very tough. We faced very strong opponents. But thank God, the result turned out as we had hoped. I couldn’t take part in the last training camp due to injury. If I had been able to, the competition might have been easier. Still, I won, and I’m very happy about that. My next goal is first the upcoming U20 World Championship, and then the U23 World Championship. But the ultimate goal is to earn a qualification for the Olympics and represent my country with honor.”