Oyan Nazariani: Azerbaijan won two golds and a silver at Dakar 2026

Oyan Nazariani, head coach of Azerbaijan’s youth beach wrestling team, said the result at Dakar 2026 reflected the team’s preparation. He made the remarks at a welcome ceremony at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Nazariani said the team ended the year’s final and most important competition at the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games with a memorable result. Azerbaijan’s beach wrestlers won two gold medals and one silver at Dakar 2026, and maintained the lead in the team standings. The head coach said they had been superior to their rivals in every respect and had travelled to Senegal’s capital fully prepared.

He stressed that the competition day coincided with November 8, Victory Day, giving it special meaning for the athletes. The team sought to win in honour of the significant day and secured two gold medals.

Azerbaijan’s overall tally at Dakar 2026 stands at three gold medals and one silver. Judoka Ibrahim Talibov (55 kg) and beach wrestlers Tunar Guliyev (70 kg) and Elgun Karimli (90 kg) won gold, while Nihad Suleymanli (80 kg) took silver.

Context

It had been announced that Gunel Karimli (55 kg) and Nihad Suleymanli (80 kg) would compete in the beach wrestling events in Dakar on November 7.