Ziya Babashov crowned world champion

The U23 World Championships continue in Novi Sad, Serbia

The U23 World Championships in Greco-Roman wrestling are underway in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Today, the first medalists of the competition were determined.

In the 63 kg weight category, Ziya Babashov faced Vitali Yeryomenko of Moldova in the final. Yeryomenko, who was last year’s world champion in this division and a bronze medalist at both the senior World and European Championships this year, could not stop the Azerbaijani wrestler. Babashov’s four-point throw in the first period proved decisive, securing him a 6–3 victory. With this win, Ziya opened Azerbaijan’s medal tally at the tournament and became a world champion for the first time in his career.

In the 87 kg category, Lachin Valiyev defeated Muradjon Alimjonov (Uzbekistan) 7–5 in his first repechage match. In the next round, he overcame Leon Rivalta (Italy) on criteria (1–1) to advance to the bronze-medal bout. However, Valiyev lost 3–5 to Payton Jacobson (USA), finishing fifth at the championship.