'Number one in Europe:' Azerbaijan's victorious wrestling teams praised by country's President

'Number one in Europe:' Azerbaijan's victorious wrestling teams praised by country's President
Azerbaijani wrestler Islam Abbasov wins against his Turkish opponent Dogan Kaya at the 'Feti Borova' Sports Hall in the Tirana Olympic Park, Albania, on 21 April, 2026.
Anadolu Agency

Azerbaijan’s golden double at the 2026 European Wrestling Championship in Tirana, Albania brought “joy” to the entire country, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev told the victorious athletes at a reception on Thursday (30 April).

The back to back gold medals won by Azerbaijan’s freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman teams at the event held between 20 April and 26 April marked the second consecutive year Azerbaijan has won both titles. 

“This victory has brought joy to us all. Azerbaijani wrestlers have once again demonstrated that they are number one in Europe. Today, our state and our people, living as a victorious state and a victorious nation, take pride in these sporting achievements,” President Aliyev told the winning teams.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev greets members of the country's national wrestling team after their success at the 2026 European Championships, 30 April, 2026.
Azertag

Azerbaijan’s freestyle wrestling team were crowned winners after picking up three gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal at the tournament. The Greco-Roman wrestling team claimed first place with two gold medals and three bronze ones.

It’s the third time Azerbaijan has claimed first place in both categories at the event and the sixth time Azerbaijan’s freestyle wrestling team has won the European championship. 

The South Caucasus region dominated the medals table at the Tirana tournament, with Georgia taking second place in freestyle wrestling and Armenia third place.

In the Greco-Roman category, Türkiye’s team picked up the silver and Georgia’s the bronze. 

Azerbaijani female wrestler Jala Aliyeva won one bronze medal in the women’s category. Ukraine’s team won the women’s category and 

Azerbaijan also picked up one bronze medal in the women’s wrestling category, which Ukraine finished first place in, with Türkiye taking second place and Poland third place. 

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