Budapest, July 18, 2025 — Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers delivered a strong performance at the international ranking tournament held in Hungary’s capital, securing five medals and placing third overall in the team standings with 100 points, just behind Georgia (105) and the U.S. (102).
According to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, the national team wrapped up the freestyle portion of the event with one gold, three silvers, and one bronze.
Tourney Highlights:
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Turan Bayramov (74 kg) was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 3–5 loss to American wrestler David Carr.
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In the same weight class, Magomedbashir Khaniev advanced after Kazakhstan’s Alibek Abdikassimov forfeited. He then defeated another Kazakh, Yeldos Kuanishbay, with a dominant 13–2 technical win. In the semifinals, Khaniev beat Bahrain’s Magomedrasul Asluev 4–2 but fell short in the final against Japan’s Kota Takahashi (0–4), earning silver.
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Arseniy Djioyev (86 kg) reached the final after advancing past Georgian Tornike Samkharadze (injury), then defeating Slovakia’s Boris Makoev (3–0) and Turkey’s Osman Gocen (10–0). He was awarded gold as his opponent, Olympic medalist Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov (Belarus), withdrew due to injury.
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In the 92 kg category, Osman Nurmagomedov defeated Bahrain’s Magomed Sharipov (6–1) but lost 1–5 to reigning European champion Dauren Kurugliev (Greece) in the quarterfinals.
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Abubakr Abakarov, also competing at 92 kg, lost 2–7 to American Trent Hidlay in the qualification round. As Hidlay reached the final, Abakarov entered the repechage, where he defeated Hungary’s Krisztián Angyal with a commanding 11–0 technical fall. He was awarded bronze after Kurugliev withdrew from the third-place bout due to injury.
Earlier Successes:
A day earlier, Islam Bazarganov (57 kg) and Ali Rahimzade (65 kg) both claimed silver medals, contributing to the team’s overall strong performance.
Azerbaijan’s showing in Budapest underlines the national team’s depth and competitiveness on the international stage, especially as it continues preparations for upcoming world championships and the 2026 Olympic cycle.
