Int'l wrestling tournament to be held in Baku

Baku-based sports complex ABU Arena on January 10 will host an international wrestling tournament in memory of Mushfig Isayev, victim of the Black January massacre.

According to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, the competition is aimed at improving sports skills of young fighters and developing sports in the country. The tournament will be held in 10 weight categories - up to 42 kg, 46 kg, 50 kg, 54 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 76 kg, 85 kg and 100 kg.

Along with local fighters the tournament will bring together athletes from Russia, Georgia and Uzbekistan. All prize-winners will receive certificates, medals and money prizes.

Black January also known as Black Saturday or the January Massacre, was a violent crackdown in Baku on January 19–20, 1990, pursuant to a state of emergency during the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Late at night on January 19, 1990, after demolition of the central television station and termination of phone and radio lines by Soviet special forces, 26,000 Soviet troops entered Baku, smashing through the barricades. The troops attacked the protesters, firing into the crowds. The estimates indicate that between 133 and 137 civilians died with unofficial number reaching 300. January 20 is marked as Martyrs’ Day in Azerbaijan.


/AzerTAc/