AIJA EC members with AIJA Wrestling team. (Photo by Rustam Farman)

Nargiz Mahmudzada - AIJA First Vice-president

The Azerbaijan Sports Journalists Association (AIJA) organized a national freestyle wrestling tournament for juniors and youth, in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation. The event celebrates three significant milestones: the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press, the 50th anniversary of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC), and the 30th anniversary of AIJA.

The opening ceremony was held at the university’s Sports Complex, beginning with the ceremonial presentation of the participating athletes.

In his remarks, Akif Gasimov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at AzUAC, emphasized the importance of the tournament in identifying future champions.

“I firmly believe that among these young wrestlers, we’ll see future world, European, and Olympic champions,” said Gasimov, highlighting the Azerbaijani government’s strong support for sports as a driving force behind success.

Eldar Ismayilov, President of AIJA, congratulated the partner organizations on their jubilees and extended his best wishes to the young athletes competing in the tournament.

Murad Farzaliyev, Head of the National Olympic Committee’s Press Service, shared his belief that many of the participants would achieve major milestones in their athletic careers in the future.

As part of the ceremony, the National Olympic Committee presented a commemorative gift to AzUAC in recognition of its 50th anniversary.

Haji Aliyev, freestyle wrestling coordinator at the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation and a celebrated figure in the sport, highlighted the value of such events and shared motivational advice with the athletes.

The ceremony concluded with awards presented to AzUAC students who have achieved notable results in various competitions.

Following the official program, the tournament began, featuring nearly 200 young wrestlers from various regions of the country. The event serves not only as a competitive platform but also as an opportunity to foster friendship and experience among rising athletes on the national stage.