Int'l tournament dedicated to 90th anniversary of All-National Leader takes place under sponsorship of Akkord Corp. - PHOTOS

The sports fans very much enjoyed the event arranged by Akkord Industry-Construction Investment Corporation OJSC on May 28th, the Republic Day.

International tournament “MMA & Grappling” (ultimate fighting), arranged among sportsmen of Azerbaijan and Turkey under the financial and organizational support of Corporation in the Olympic-Sports Center “Sarkhadchi” (Frontiersman) and dedicated to the 90th jubilee of All-National Leader Heydar Aliyev,  stuck in memories of the audience and sportsmen with unforgettable moments.

At the press conference that had been held in the Olympic-Sports Complex prior to the tournament, Azad Asgarov, World Champion on Wrestling and Ultimate Fighting, President of the Pankration Federation (MMA & Grappling) of Azerbaijan, introduced Azerbaijani and Turkish teams to the sports community and media representatives. After provision of detailed information about both teams, it was noted that the main goal of the sports event sponsored by Akkord Corporation aimed at making this type of sports popular in Azerbaijan, instilling physical health, exercising strong will, fighting and public spirit, developing sports character and confidence in victory.

Official opening of contests between sportsmen of Azerbaijan and Turkey took place in the evening hours at Olympic-Sports Center “Sarkhadchi”.

The tournament began at 20:00 and was of big interest to the audience. Azerbaijani sport couples (Munis Aghalarzade and Elnar Ibrahimov (56kg)) tried strengths in the non-professional version of MMA and were applauded by audience of over 3,000. Badirli Javad and Asgar Asgarov (62kg), Namig Rzayev and Emin Hasanov (74kg) represented our team in the professional version of MMA. The ceremony of official opening of the Azerbaijani-Turkish friendly tournament was held after completion of the first meetings of sportsmen.

Addressing the event were executives of MMA Federations of Azerbaijan and Turkey, representatives of government bodies and sports community as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Akkord Corporation Khagani Guluzade. They stressed the importance of the tournament and emphasized that priority placed by Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on development of sports in the country promotes conduction of such international tournaments. The speechmakers noted that it was the friendship that would be the main winner of the tournament. The official ceremony continued with dances performed by young dancers and with sport displays. Then, the contests began in accordance with the rules approved by international and Azerbaijani federations of pankration.

Grappling contest between Orkhan Guliyev and Said Arslanali (weight category 66kg) ended up with the victory of the Turkish sportsman. The contest between Orkhan Musayev and Kaan Fazl ended up with the victory of the Azerbaijani sportsman. The sportsmen were awarded with medals and got valuable gifts from Akkord Industry-Construction Investment Corporation OJSC.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) contests began between professional sportsmen after completion of grappling contests. Azerbaijani sportsmen demonstrated high combating skills in seven combats.  All fights ended up with the victory of Azerbaijani sportsmen: Bayram Samedov – Tarkan Kabukchu (63 kg), Agshin Babayev – Savash Bekar (66 kg), Vugar Karimov – Bayram Ughur (70 kg), Heydar Mamedaliyev – Kurshat Ughur Agansoy (78 kg), Tofig Musayev – Yavuz Selim Kazanchi (83 kg), Fuad Gadirov – Gekhan Gulucu (95 kg), Teymur Mehdiyev – Umit Turktekin (100 kg). Winners were awarded with medals and cups of Azerbaijan MMA Federation. Apart from this, the sportsmen were awarded by Akkord Industry-Construction Investment Corporation OJSC, the general sponsor of the tournament. They received silver presents with All-National Leader’s image engraved on them as well as money awards and other valuable prizes.

A cup was presented to the Azerbaijani team, which won the tournament, at the conclusion of the tournament. The sportsmen took a memory picture.