Four-time world champion Gadji Aliev celebrates his birthday

Today marks the 34th birthday of the only four-time world freestyle wrestling champion from Azerbaijan, bronze medalist of the Rio Olympic Games, European champion Haji Aliyev.

Haji Aliyev was born on April 21, 1991, in Nakhchivan.

In 1999, he began wrestling under the guidance of Elman Azimzade.

From 1997 to 2008, Haji Aliyev studied at secondary school No. 12 in Nakhchivan city, and from 2008 to 2012, he received higher education at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports.

Haji Aliyev competed in his first tournament in May 2008, participating in the "Victory Cup" youth tournament in Antalya, Turkey. In this competition, he competed in the 54 kg weight category and won a bronze medal.

In 2009, he achieved further success in domestic competitions. In October of the same year, Haji Aliyev defeated all opponents at the youth tournament dedicated to the memory of Azerbaijan's National Hero Aliyar Aliyev and became the champion of the competition. In December of the same year, Haji Aliyev achieved his first success among adults. He defeated all opponents in the Azerbaijan Cup and became the winner of the tournament.

After winning the Azerbaijan Cup in 2009, 18-year-old Haji Aliyev was invited to the Azerbaijan national team. At the European Championship held in Baku, he competed in the 60 kg weight category and faced German wrestler Tim Schleicher in the first 1/8 final match. Although he lost in the first period (0:1), he won in the second and third periods with scores of 3:0 and 3:1 respectively, and advanced to the next stage.

In 2016, Haji Aliyev participated in his main tournament - the XXXI Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Competing in the 57 kg weight category, Haji Aliyev faced South Korean wrestler Yun Jun-Sik in his first match. In this match, Aliyev won an early victory with a score of 12:2.

For the bronze medal won at the I European Games, on June 29, 2015, he was awarded the "Progress" medal. For the bronze medal won at the XXXI Summer Olympic Games, on September 1, 2016, he was awarded the Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

For high achievements at the XXXII Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo and contributions to the development of Azerbaijani sports, President Ilham Aliyev awarded him the "For Service to the Homeland" Order of the 2nd degree.

In 2014, Haji Aliyev started a family, and in August 2015, his daughter Aisha was born. Haji Aliyev dedicated his championship at the 2015 World Championship in Las Vegas specifically to his daughter Aisha.

Haji Aliyev's first tournament in 2023 was the Zagreb Open international tournament, which took place in February in Zagreb, Croatia.

The leader of the Azerbaijan freestyle wrestling team won a gold medal at the European Championship. In the final in the 70 kg weight category, he defeated Bulgarian Ramazan Ramazanov with a score of 10:3.

Thus, Haji Aliyev won the European champion title for the fourth time in his career and entered the history of Azerbaijani wrestling. He is the first freestyle wrestler from Azerbaijan to become a 4-time European champion.

Throughout his career, Haji Aliyev has participated in 48 international competitions, winning 15 gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze medals.

Haji Aliyev is also an officer of the State Border Service.