Ulvu Ghanizade: “This result should not make me complacent”

The Greco-Roman wrestling team, which secured second place in the team standings with four medals at the World Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia, has returned home.

A welcoming ceremony took place at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Aleksandr Tarakanov, head coach:
“First of all, I would like to thank the AGF leadership, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the NOC for the conditions created for us. With one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, we finished second in the team standings. More competitions lie ahead of us, and we need to work on our mistakes. Two of our wrestlers are recovering from injuries and will rejoin the squad once they are ready. We are grateful to all wrestling fans who supported us and prayed for us.”

Eldaniz Azizli, World bronze medalist:
“My goal was to become world champion for the fifth time. Although I did not fully achieve that, I did not leave without a medal. Previously, I was the national record holder in terms of medal quality at World Championships. With my seventh medal at this tournament, I now also hold the record for the total number of medals. I am happy about that. Competing against younger athletes becomes harder each year, but I hope better results will come for me and my team in the future.”

Ulvu Ghanizade, World champion:
“The tournament was very tough, as always. My most difficult match was the final. It was my third time facing the French wrestler, and thankfully, I won again. It was a hard battle, but the ending was beautiful. I hope to continue delighting our people with such victories. This result should not make me complacent. I must defend and build upon this title. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this success – the federation leadership, coaching staff, our doctors and masseurs, and my personal coach. Their role in this championship is immense. I hope I will continue to justify their trust in future competitions.”

Hasrat Jafarov, World silver medalist:
“My feelings are mixed – there is joy, but also disappointment. For the second World Championships in a row, I lost in the final. At such prestigious tournaments, you cannot afford a single mistake. Every small detail matters. The World Championships do not forgive even one error.”

Murad Ahmadliyev, World bronze medalist:
“On my debut, I defeated the Italian wrestler and then beat an Olympic medalist from Kyrgyzstan. In the quarterfinals, I overcame an Olympic champion, four-time world champion, and seven-time European champion with a pin. In the semifinals, I lost to the Russian wrestler on criteria. By defeating the Hungarian athlete, I claimed the bronze medal. Ahead of us is the Islamic Solidarity Games, and I will prepare well for that tournament with the goal of becoming champion.”