- Eldaniz Azizli wins gold in the 55kg category at the World Championships in Tirana, Albania.
- The victory marks his fourth consecutive world title, setting a national record.
- Azizli’s triumph contributes to Azerbaijan’s overall success, with two additional gold medals by compatriots.
Eldaniz Azizli has made history by clinching his fourth world championship title in Greco-Roman wrestling, dominating the 55kg category at the World Championships in Tirana, Albania. Azizli’s victory over Iranian wrestler Poya Dad Marz was hard-fought, concluding with a 1-1 score decided by last-point criteria. This win not only solidifies Azizli’s status as Azerbaijan’s most successful wrestler on the world stage but also breaks the national record previously held by Haji Aliyev.
Azerbaijan experienced a remarkable night at the championships, securing three gold medals in total. In addition to Azizli’s triumph, Nihat Mammadli took gold in the 63kg category, and Ulvi Ganizade triumphed in the 72kg class. Mammadli’s victory came after he capitalized on his opponent’s impatience, while Ganizade avenged his previous silver medal finish with a close win against defending champion Ibrahim Ghanem. The success of these athletes highlights Azerbaijan’s strength in wrestling, especially in the non-Olympic weight categories.
Azerbaijan’s Golden Night at the World Wrestling Championships
Eldaniz Azizli’s remarkable achievement at the World Championships in Tirana highlights his dominance in Greco-Roman wrestling. With his victory in the 55kg category, Azizli not only captured his fourth consecutive world title but also set a new national record, surpassing the three titles previously held by freestyle wrestler Haji Aliyev. Azizli’s final match against Poya Dad Marz showcased his resilience and skill, as he managed to secure the win on last-point criteria after a tightly contested bout.
Azerbaijan’s wrestling team demonstrated exceptional performance, securing a total of three gold medals on the championship’s opening night. Nihat Mammadli’s strategic approach in the 63kg final allowed him to claim victory against Yerzhet Zharlykassyn, while Ulvi Ganizade showcased his tenacity by dethroning the defending champion at 72kg. The triumphs of these wrestlers not only exemplify their individual talents but also underscore Azerbaijan’s growing reputation in the international wrestling arena, particularly in non-Olympic categories.
The success of Azerbaijani wrestlers at the World Championships comes at a time when the nation is gaining recognition for its athletic prowess. With Azizli leading the charge, the wrestling community in Azerbaijan can look forward to future competitions with renewed optimism. The nation’s strong performance serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and highlights the importance of continued support and investment in sports development.
As Eldaniz Azizli and his fellow wrestlers celebrate their victories, the focus shifts to future competitions. Azizli has expressed his desire to capture a fifth world title, a feat accomplished by only a select few in the wrestling world. This ambition reflects not only personal goals but also a commitment to elevating Azerbaijan’s presence in the sport on a global scale.
Eldaniz Azizli’s historic win at the World Championships marks a significant milestone for Azerbaijani wrestling, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for athletic excellence. As Azizli aims for further achievements, the future looks bright for Azerbaijani wrestlers.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I would like to win five world gold medals.” — Eldaniz Azizli