33 Best Wrestling Players in Azerbaijan All Time

Liam Rooney

Azerbaijan is a small country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is located between Russia and Iran and has a population of around 10 million people. It is a country with a rich history and culture and is also home to some of the best wrestlers in the world.

The Azerbaijani wrestling tradition dates back to the days of the ancient Persians, and the country has produced some of the greatest wrestlers in history. We will be looking at some of the best wrestlers in Azerbaijan and what makes them so great.

We will also highlight some of the most successful Azerbaijani wrestlers and their accomplishments.

1. Haji Aliyev

Haji Aliyev is an Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler who achieved success at the 2014 European Wrestling Championships. Competing in the 61 kg division, Aliyev faced off against the formidable Russian wrestler, Bekkhan Goygereyev.

After an intense match, Aliyev emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal and making history as the first Azerbaijani to win gold in the European Championships. His win was a major achievement for Azerbaijan and was celebrated by fans and athletes alike.

Aliyev’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport and serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers in the region.

2. Taleh Mammadov

Taleh Mammadov is an accomplished Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler. In 2022, he won one of the bronze medals in the 63 kg event at the World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.

This was a huge accomplishment, as it marks the first time an Azerbaijani wrestler has won a medal at the World Wrestling Championships. Not only that, but Taleh Mammadov is also a three-time medalist at the European Wrestling Championships.

This speaks to his impressive record of achievements in the sport. His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he is an inspiration to all aspiring wrestlers in Azerbaijan.

3. Ulvu Ganizade

Ulvu Ganizade is a highly accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Azerbaijan. His impressive record includes a silver medal at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships which were held in Belgrade, Serbia.

He also has two bronze medals from the European Wrestling Championships. Ganizade’s success has earned him a lot of recognition and admiration in the wrestling world. He is an incredibly talented wrestler, and his impressive accomplishments showcase his hard work and dedication.

He has clearly put in a lot of effort to reach the level of success he has achieved. Ganizade’s success is a great source of pride for his country, Azerbaijan. He has demonstrated that the country’s athletes are capable of competing and succeeding at the highest levels.

His medals and accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Azerbaijani wrestlers, showing them what is possible with hard work and determination.

4. Toghrul Asgarov

Toghrul Shahriyar oghlu Asgarov is an Azerbaijani wrestler who is highly decorated and accomplished in the sport of freestyle wrestling.

He is an Olympic and European champion in freestyle wrestling and has numerous other accolades to his name. In 2012, Toghrul Asgarov won an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 60-kilogram freestyle wrestling category, beating Besik Kudukhov of Russia by a score of.

This win was a significant milestone in his career and for Azerbaijan, as it was the country’s first-ever gold medal in Olympic wrestling.

This impressive achievement was a testament to Toghrul’s skill and dedication to the sport. The success of Toghrul Asgarov in the sport of freestyle wrestling has been an inspiration to many, and his accomplishments have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

He is a role model for aspiring wrestlers around the world, and a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.

5. Rovshan Bayramov

Rovshan Bayramov is an Azerbaijani wrestler. He is a highly accomplished athlete, having won championships in both European and world-level Greco-Roman wrestling.

He is particularly renowned for his performance in the Olympic Games, where he has earned two silver medals. Bayramov has been a world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling for three years, earning gold medals in 2017 and 2019.

Additionally, he has been a European champion in Greco-Roman wrestling for four consecutive years, from 2016 to 2019.

This impressive record has established him as one of the leading wrestlers in the world. Bayramov’s greatest achievement to date is his two silver medals at the Olympic Games.

He earned his first medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and his second at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

His strong performance at the Olympics has highlighted his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Rovshan Bayramov is an exemplary athlete and an inspiration to many wrestlers.

His impressive accomplishments in Greco-Roman wrestling and his two Olympic silver medals demonstrate his excellence as a wrestler. He is a true champion and a great representative of Azerbaijani wrestling.

6. Sona Ahmadli

Sona Ahmadli is an Azerbaijani wrestler who has been competing for her country since the early 2000s. She has achieved great success in the sport, having won numerous medals and championships in her native country.

She is a highly respected athlete in Azerbaijan and beyond and is often cited as an example of female strength and perseverance. Ahmadli has been a part of the Azerbaijani national team since 2003 and has been competing in international tournaments since then.

She has a stellar record, winning gold medals in the European Championships in 2005 and 2007, and bronze medals in the 2005 and 2006 European Championships.

Additionally, Ahmadli has won silver medals in the World Championships in 2006 and 2009 and was the first woman wrestler from Azerbaijan to be crowned world champion. Ahmadli is a role model to many in her home country and is often cited as a symbol of female empowerment.

She has been praised for her hard work, dedication, and determination, and is an inspiration to many young athletes who aspire to be like her.

Her success has also helped to increase the visibility of female wrestlers in the sport, and she is often seen as a pioneer of Azerbaijani women’s wrestling. In addition to her athletic success, Ahmadli is also an advocate for women’s rights and is often seen speaking out in support of women’s rights and participation in sports.

She is a strong supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has been actively involved in promoting gender equality and women’s rights.

Ahmadli is a true inspiration to many, and her success in wrestling has been an important factor in raising the profile of female athletes in Azerbaijan.

7. Arif Abdullayev

Arif Yadulla Abdullayev is a successful wrestler from Azerbaijan. He has achieved great success in the world of wrestling, with his most notable accomplishment being the gold medal he won at the 2003 Freestyle Wrestling World Championship held in New York.

His impressive performance at the event earned him the honor of representing his country in the international wrestling community. Abdullayev is a highly decorated wrestler, having won medals in various international competitions over the years.

He has been hailed as one of the most successful wrestlers in Azerbaijan and has consistently placed in the top positions at the World Championships.

His achievements in the sport have also earned him the respect of his peers and fans. Abdullayev is a dedicated athlete who puts in immense effort to ensure he remains at the top of his game. He has trained hard and worked diligently to become the successful wrestler he is today.

His success in the sport has served as an inspiration to many in Azerbaijan and abroad. Overall, Arif Yadulla Abdullayev is an exemplary wrestler who has achieved great success in the sport.

He has gained recognition both in Azerbaijan and in the international wrestling community and has earned the respect of his peers and fans. His dedication and hard work have served as an example for aspiring wrestlers around the world.

8. Sharif Sharifov

Sharif Naidhajavovich Sharifov is a highly accomplished wrestler from a diverse ethnic background. He is of both Russian and Azerbaijani descent and is also of Avar ancestry.

Sharifov has achieved remarkable success in the world of wrestling, having won the world championship and a bronze medal in the European championship. His greatest moment in wrestling came at the 2012 Summer Olympics, where he won a gold medal in the 84 kg event.

His victory was particularly impressive, as he managed to defeat Puerto Rican wrestler Jaime Espinal in the final. Sharifov’s career highlights are a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport, and he is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere.

9. Mariya Stadnik

Mariya Stadnik is a remarkable athlete who has made history in the world of wrestling. Born in Ukraine, she is now a professional wrestler in Azerbaijan. She has achieved remarkable success in her career, having won four Olympic medals in her career thus far.

These accomplishments put her in elite company, as she is one of only a few wrestlers to have won four Olympic medals. She is a fierce and talented competitor, having won the gold medal in the women’s 48kg freestyle wrestling category at the 2012 London Olympics.

She also won the silver medal in the same category at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In addition, she earned the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This makes her the first female wrestler to win four Olympic medals. Mariya Stadnik has also achieved success in her career outside of the Olympics. She has won gold medals in the World Championships, European Championships, and the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Her success has made her an iconic and inspirational figure in the world of wrestling, as she has shown that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.

10. Eldaniz Azizli

Eldaniz Azizli is an incredibly accomplished wrestler from Azerbaijan. He competes in the 55 kg division of Greco-Roman wrestling, a style that focuses on using holds and counters from the upper body, as opposed to the more common freestyle wrestling.

In 2018, he ascended to the highest level of success in the sport, winning a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships.

Two years later, he continued to prove his dominance by taking home one of the bronze medals in the men’s 55kg event at the 2020 Individual Wrestling World Cup in Belgrade, Serbia.

His accomplishments not only speak to his hard work and dedication but also to the tradition of excellence in Azerbaijani wrestling. Azizli’s success is a testament to the strength of the Azerbaijani wrestling program and the commitment of its athletes.

11. Khazar Isayev

Khazar Agaali oglu Isayev is a renowned former Soviet wrestler who achieved great success in his career. He is of Azerbaijani descent and hails from what was once known as the Soviet Union.

Isayev achieved impressive feats in freestyle wrestling, winning both world and European championships.

His accomplishments are a source of pride for Azerbaijanis both in his home country and around the world. Isayev’s career began in the Soviet Union, where he won several titles and championships. He won the Soviet Union Championship in Freestyle Wrestling in 1983, 1985, and 1986.

He also won the World Championship in Freestyle Wrestling in 1985 and the European Championship in Freestyle Wrestling in 1984 and 1985.

These successes earned him the title of “Honored Master of Sports of the USSR” in 1986. In addition to his successes in the Soviet Union, Isayev also competed in international competitions.

He won the World Cup in Freestyle Wrestling in 1986 and the Golden Grand Prix in Freestyle Wrestling in 1989.

He also competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, where he finished in thirteenth place in the Freestyle Wrestling category. Isayev is a source of pride for Azerbaijani people around the world.

He achieved great success in a highly competitive sport and was a pioneer of the Azerbaijani wrestling tradition. His accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and demonstrate the potential for Azerbaijani athletes to reach the highest levels of success.

12. Khetag Gazyumov

Khetag Gazyumov is a retired Russian and Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler. He is of Ossetian origin and competed in the 96kg weight category for the Olympics. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Gazyumov won a bronze medal in his weight class.

He was also successful at the 2012 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal again. His greatest success came at the 2016 Rio Games, where he earned a silver medal.

Gazyumov was an accomplished wrestler, and his success in the Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He was an inspiration to many athletes, and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.

13. Namig Abdullayev

Namig Yadulla Abdullayev is a retired Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler who had a successful international wrestling career. He is most known for his accomplishments at the 2000 Summer Olympics where he won a gold medal.

He has also won three gold medals at European Championships and three silver medals at World Championships.

These accomplishments demonstrate his hard work and dedication to the sport of freestyle wrestling. Yadulla Abdullayev began his wrestling career in his native Azerbaijan and eventually rose to prominence in the international wrestling community.

He won his first international title in 1995, when he won a bronze medal at the European Championships.

This was followed up by a silver medal at the 1997 World Championships and a gold medal at the 1998 European Championships. He continued to excel in the sport, and in 2000 he won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

This was a historic moment as it was the first time an Azerbaijani wrestler had won an Olympic gold medal.

Abdullayev then followed up his Olympic gold medal with three more gold medals at European Championships and three silver medals at World Championships.Abdulla Abdullayev’s career was marked by excellence and success.

His dedication to the sport and his numerous accomplishments at the highest levels of competition demonstrate his skill and prowess as a freestyle wrestler.

14. Abubakr Abakarov

Abubakr Abakarov is a talented athlete with a unique background. He is a Russian-Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler of Chechen ethnicity.

He recently made history by winning one of the bronze medals in the men’s 86 kg event at the 2021 World Wrestling Championships held in Oslo, Norway. This was a remarkable achievement for Abubakr, as he had to compete against some of the best wrestlers in the world.

Abubakr’s success story is inspiring to many, and he is certainly a role model to aspiring athletes from all backgrounds. His win proves that hard work and dedication can lead to success regardless of where you come from.

Abubakr’s win also gives hope to the Chechen people, showing them that their culture and heritage can be celebrated in the international sports arena. Abubakr is an example of what can be achieved when people come together and work hard for a common goal.

15. Hasan Aliyev

Hasan Aliyev is an Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved international success. He is a World and European champion, having won at the highest levels of his sport. Aliyev made a strong showing at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, competing in the 60 kg division.

He was able to reach the semifinal round, beating two opponents along the way. In the last 16, he defeated Stig-André Berge and in the quarterfinals, he was victorious over Jung Ji-hyun. Aliyev’s run ended in the semifinal when he was defeated by Revaz Lashkhi.

Despite this loss, Aliyev had a strong showing at the 2012 Olympics and cemented his status as one of the best Greco-Roman wrestlers in the world.

16. Rasul Chunayev

Rasul Abakar oghlu Chunayev is a highly accomplished Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler. He was born on 7 January 1991 in Yeni Şərif, Balakən, Azerbaijan to Avar parents.

He has achieved a great deal of success in his chosen sport, becoming a world champion and a European vice-champion in men’s Greco-Roman wrestling. Chunayev’s accomplishments are quite impressive.

He has been a consistent performer in Greco-Roman wrestling, winning several international competitions. He was the winner of the 2013 World Cup in his weight class and also became the European vice-champion in 2014.

This success was followed up in 2018 when he won a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games. Chunayev is also a multiple-time Azerbaijani champion in Greco-Roman wrestling. He has won the title in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018.

This impressive feat has earned him recognition in his home country, and he was even honored by the Azerbaijani President for his accomplishments. Rasul Abakar oghlu Chunayev is an outstanding example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.

His success in Greco-Roman wrestling has been an inspiration to many, and his achievements will remain a source of pride for his country.

17. Emin Azizov

Emin Azizov is a male freestyle wrestler from Azerbaijan who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Men’s freestyle 66 kg weight class and was successful in the first round of the competition, beating Swiss Grégory Sarrasin.

However, he was unable to achieve a victory in the next round, losing out to Leonid Spiridonov and ultimately being eliminated from the tournament. Azizov’s performance in the 2008 Summer Olympics was an impressive one, showcasing his strength and skill as a freestyle wrestler.

He was able to demonstrate his skill and capability against a well-known opponent in Grégory Sarrasin and was able to secure a victory in the first round. Despite this success, he was unable to continue his momentum into the next round and was eliminated from the competition.

Overall, Azizov’s performance in the 2008 Summer Olympics was a memorable one. He was able to showcase his skill and ability on the world stage, and even though he was not able to secure a victory in the next round, his performance was impressive.

He will no doubt be remembered for his performance in the tournament and will continue to be an inspiration to other athletes.

18. Ashraf Aliyev

Ashraf Aliyev is a highly skilled male freestyle wrestler, who achieved international recognition when he participated in the Men’s freestyle 74 kg at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

As a wrestler, he is known for his physical and tactical strength, as well as his determination and drive to win.

At the Olympic Games, he competed against some of the world’s best wrestlers in his weight class, and he managed to secure a respectable ranking despite the stiff competition. Aliyev is a native of Azerbaijan, and since his Olympic debut, he has remained active in the world of amateur wrestling.

He has won numerous titles in various tournaments and championships, including several international medals. In addition, he is a two-time world champion, and he has won several gold medals at the European Championships.

His success and accomplishments have made him one of the most well-known athletes in Azerbaijan. Aliyev’s success is not limited to the mats either, as he has also been an avid philanthropist in his home country.

He has been involved in several charity projects, including those aimed at helping underprivileged children. His passion for helping others has earned him much respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.

Ashraf Aliyev is truly an inspirational figure in the world of freestyle wrestling.

19. Jabrayil Hasanov

Jabrayil Hasanov is a highly accomplished freestyle wrestler from Azerbaijan. He has competed at the Olympic level in the 66, 74, and 79 kg categories and is the proud recipient of an Olympic bronze medal.

His success at the Olympic level has been matched by his success at the World Championships where he has won multiple medals. As a testament to his skill and determination, Jabrayil also won the Yasar Dogu Grand Prix, a prestigious wrestling event.

His accomplishments have earned him recognition both within the wrestling community and his home country of Azerbaijan. His strong performances have made him a highly regarded athlete and a role model for aspiring wrestlers.

20. Islam Abbasov

Islam Abbasov is an accomplished Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler. In March 2021, he achieved great success by qualifying at the European Qualification Tournament for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

This was a huge milestone for Abbasov since it was the first time he had qualified for an Olympic event. In June 2021, Abbasov went on to win one of the bronze medals in his event at the 2021 Wladyslaw Pytlasinski Cup held in Warsaw, Poland.

This was a significant achievement for Abbasov, as it further solidified his status as one of the top Greco-Roman wrestlers in the world. The success Abbasov has achieved in the Greco-Roman wrestling world is impressive.

He has proven his strength and skill time and again with his multiple victories and accomplishments.

His impressive performance in the European Qualification Tournament and the 2021 Wladyslaw Pytlasinski Cup has earned him respect from all corners of the Greco-Roman wrestling world. Abbasov’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

With his Olympic qualification and multiple victories, he has demonstrated that he is a true champion in the Greco-Roman wrestling world. It is clear that Abbasov is a force to be reckoned with and his future in the sport looks bright.

21. Elmar Gasimov

Elmar Gasimov is an Azerbaijani judoka who competes in the -100 kg division. He is an accomplished athlete who has competed in two Olympic Games, the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. At the 2016 Olympics, he won a silver medal for his country.

His success does not end there as he has also won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships. Additionally, he has won two bronze medals and one silver medal at the European level.

Gasimov’s accomplishments have contributed to the Azerbaijani judo community and has helped demonstrate the country’s athletic prowess. He has shown his drive and dedication to the sport of judo and his commitment to success.

His success in judo has also inspired other athletes from Azerbaijan to pursue a career in the sport.

22. Rafig Huseynov

Rafig Huseynov is an Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved both national and international success. At the 2011 European Wrestling Championships in Dortmund, Germany, he won the gold medal in his respective division by defeating Hungarian Péter Bácsi.

This victory was a major accomplishment and put Huseynov on the map as one of the world’s top Greco-Roman wrestlers. At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, Huseynov continued to demonstrate his world-class skill by winning one of the bronze medals in his event.

His performance at the Olympics was a testament to his dedication and hard work, and it further highlighted his standing as a top Greco-Roman wrestler.

Huseynov’s impressive accomplishments, both at the European Wrestling Championships and the Olympics, have earned him admiration both in Azerbaijan and around the world.

He is a role model to many aspiring wrestlers and has opened the door for other Azerbaijani athletes to compete on the international stage.

23. Sabah Shariati

Sabah Shariati is an incredible athlete who has achieved success in Greco-Roman wrestling. Born in Iran, he is now a naturalized Azerbaijani citizen.

In 2016, he competed in the Rio Olympics and won a bronze medal, losing only to the eventual silver medalist and four-time world champion, Riza Kayaalp of Turkey. Shariati continued to pursue his wrestling career and recently competed in the 2022 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.

He participated in the 130 kg event, showing his dedication to the sport. His impressive performance in this event is a testament to his hard work and determination. Shariati’s accomplishments are an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere.

He has persevered and climbed the ranks of the Greco-Roman wrestling world despite the fact that he had to start over in a new country. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

24. Osman Nurmagomedov

Osman Abdulvagabovich Nurmagomedov is a highly accomplished freestyle wrestler from Russia. He is of Avar descent and competes in the 92 kilograms weight class.

Nurmagomedov has had an impressive 2021 so far, having medaled at both the European Championships and the U23 edition of the same tournament. His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and his ability to stay focused throughout the competition.

He is clearly a skilled athlete and a force to be reckoned with on the mat.

25. Aslanbek Alborov

Aslanbek Alborov is a highly accomplished athlete from Russia. He is an Ossetian descent and is currently representing Azerbaijan in the light heavyweight division of freestyle wrestling.

His impressive list of achievements includes a bronze medal at the World Freestyle Wrestling competition and a silver medal at the World Cup 2018.

In 2017, he also won the Ali Aliyev Memorial tournament in Dagestan, which is a highly revered tournament in the wrestling community. Alborov’s success in wrestling is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he is an inspiration for athletes all over the world.

26. Tofiq Musayev

Tofiq Musayev is an accomplished mixed martial artist from Azerbaijan. He currently competes in the lightweight division of Bellator MMA, a major professional MMA promotion. He is currently ranked 3rd in the Bellator Lightweight rankings, as of November 22, 2022.

His success in the lightweight division has been impressive, as he has consistently been ranked in the top 10 for several years.

He has had numerous impressive victories throughout his career in the lightweight division, including notable names such as Jai Herbert and Johnny Case. He is a well-respected figure in the sport and is looked up to by many aspiring mixed martial artists.

Musayev continues to strive for greatness in the lightweight division and is sure to be a competitor to watch in the future.

27. Shamil Zubairov

Shamil Zubairov is an accomplished Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler who currently competes in the 92-kilogram weight class. His strength and skill have been recognized throughout the world, as he earned the title of World and European Champion in 2018 at the U23 level.

His success continued in 2019, when he medaled at the U23 European Championship, further cementing his status as one of the top freestyle wrestlers in the world. He has a bright future in the sport and has already achieved a great deal in his young career.

28. Ali Isaev

Ali Isaevich Isaev is an impressive athlete who has enjoyed success in both amateur wrestling and professional mixed martial arts. He was born in Russia but has also competed as an Azerbaijani in various sports.

Currently, Isaev competes in the Heavyweight division of Bellator MMA, a major organization in the sport. He has previously competed for Fight Nights Global and Professional Fighters League, and in 2019, he became the Heavyweight Tournament Champion of the latter.

Isaev is a highly accomplished individual, having achieved success in both amateur and professional sports. He has shown himself to be a versatile and talented fighter, able to adapt to different rulesets and styles of fighting.

His success in 2019 highlights his skill and determination to be the best, and it is likely that he will continue to do so in the future.

29. Kamran Mammadov

Kamran Mammadov is an Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved success at a number of European Wrestling Championships. He is a three-time medalist, having won bronze medals in the 2013, 2014, and 2016 European Wrestling Championships.

The 2013 European Wrestling Championships were held in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Mammadov’s success there launched his career as a top-tier Greco-Roman wrestler.

His subsequent medals at the 2014 and 2016 European Wrestling Championships cemented his reputation as one of the premier Greco-Roman wrestlers in Europe. His success at these championships has earned him recognition and respect in the world of Greco-Roman wrestling.

30. Aydin Ibrahimov

Aydin Ali oglu Ibrahimov was an Azerbaijani wrestler who achieved great success in the sport. Born in the early 20th century, he was one of the most successful wrestlers of his time. He was an Azerbaijani national hero and was held in high esteem by his countrymen.

He won a number of national championships in his time and also participated in the Olympics. He was a strong advocate of the sport of wrestling and dedicated his life to promoting and developing the sport in Azerbaijan.

He was also a great mentor to the younger wrestlers and was instrumental in the career development of many of them. He was a true inspiration for the aspiring athletes of his country.

Aydin Ali oglu Ibrahimov will forever be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

31. Rashid Mammadbeyov

Rashid Garabey oglu Mammadbeyov was an accomplished bantamweight freestyle wrestler. He made history when he was the first Olympic medalist of Azerbaijani origin to win a medal in an Olympic event.

This happened at the 1952 Summer Olympic Games, where he won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling. This was a remarkable achievement, made even more impressive by the fact that Rashid competed as an individual athlete, not as part of a team.

Rashid’s success was a landmark moment for Azerbaijan, demonstrating the country’s commitment to excellence in sport. It also highlighted the potential of Azerbaijani athletes to compete and succeed at the highest levels of international competition.

Rashid’s legacy lives on in Azerbaijan, and his success continues to inspire future generations of Azerbaijani athletes to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.

32. Vugar Orujov

Vugar Nariman oglu Orujov is an accomplished athlete of Azerbaijani descent. He is a two-time world champion in freestyle wrestling and a bronze medalist at the Olympics.

He represented the Unified Team in the 1992 Summer Olympics and competed for himself at the 1996 Summer Olympics, where he achieved a fourth-place finish. Orujov has been able to achieve success in international competition by utilizing his strength and technique.

He is a highly decorated athlete who has won a number of awards for his accomplishments. Orujov has been able to demonstrate his skill and tenacity to become one of the most successful wrestlers of his era.

He has earned respect for his commitment to the sport and is looked up to by many in the wrestling community. His achievements have also made him a role model to others of Azerbaijani heritage.

Orujov has shown that it is possible to reach the highest levels of success, even when coming from a minority background.

He has inspired many to pursue their own dreams and strive to reach their goals, regardless of their background. Overall, Vugar Nariman oglu Orujov is an example of hard work and dedication paying off.

He is a respected athlete who has been able to achieve success in his sport and set an example for others. He has shown that with hard work and determination, anyone can reach the highest levels of success.

33. Elchin Aliyev

Ali Elçin is an impressive athlete who is competing in the Greco-Roman wrestling division at 55 kgs. He is a dual citizen of both Turkey and Azerbaijan, and is a member of Ankara ASKI, a prominent wrestling club.

Elçin’s participation in Greco-Roman wrestling is significant, as it is a type of wrestling that requires strength, agility, and technique. It is a style of wrestling that focuses on using one’s upper body strength to gain control over the opponent.

Elçin has proved to be a successful athlete in the Greco-Roman wrestling division, and his membership in the Ankara ASKI club indicates his commitment to the sport. He is a dedicated athlete who is driven to excel in the sport he loves.

Conclusion

Overall, Azerbaijan is home to some of the world’s best wrestling players. The wrestlers from this country have won numerous medals in international tournaments, showing their outstanding talents.

The Azerbaijani wrestlers have also made a mark in the world of wrestling with their dedication and hard work. This has enabled them to become some of the top-ranked wrestlers in the world.

Their impressive performances have made Azerbaijan an important member of the international wrestling community.

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Liam Rooney

Recent Florida International University graduate with a passion for journalism and a focus on sports, especially in wrestling. Recognized with a 3rd place award in the Society of Professional Journalist's Green Eyeshade awards for outstanding coverage of FIU men's soccer. Experienced in local news, breaking stories, and community reporting from an internship at the Palm Beach Post. Hosted and produced a radio show, adept at creating video packages. Eager to embrace diverse journalistic opportunities beyond sports, bringing a versatile skill set and a relentless drive for excellence to the field.