Chunayev claims Olympic bronze [ UPDATE ]

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan added another bronze to its medal haul thus increasing the number of trophies to five in Rio Olympics.

National Greco-Roman wrestler Rasul Chunayev at 66kg claimed the country’s fifth medal as he defeated South Korean Ryu Han-su with 8-0.

Twenty-four-year-old Chunayev defeated Cuba’s Miguel Martinez at debut competition and in 1/8 final he met Russian Islambek Albiyev, defeating him with 3:2 score. In the 1/4 final Rasul prevailed over Algerian Aziz Benaissa, but lost to Armenian athlete in the semifinal, thus losing a chance for Olympic gold.

“I came to Rio for gold medal,” said Chunayev, “however, could not get it. On the one hand I am happy that I could bring to Azerbaijan bronze medal. I'll try to raise our flag at height in future competitions.”

Rasul said that it was hard for him to perform in this category weight.

“I have not acted in a weight category of 66 kg for a long. But to get to the Olympics, I had to move in this weight class. Weight losing played a major role. Between the fights there was not much time to recover. In addition, the draw was also not the best, like the Olympic champion from Russia, the world champion from Korea. In spite of this, to win the Olympics it is necessary to win all the strongest. But something got wrong in the semifinals,” he explained.

 “I seriously prepared for the Olympic Games, but winning gold was, apparently, not my fate. I will do my best to delight all those who support me in following competitions,” he said.

 “Happy Dancer," as Chunayev is known in the American press already became world renowned for his fast spinning hips and devastating headlocks, started wrestling at the age of nine after being inspired by his coach.

Becoming a member of the national team in 2006, Chunayev brought many changes to the sports history of the country.

In 2008, the wrestler became European Champion. He won gold at the first European Games held in Baku this summer and became the first athlete to win gold while on active duty in the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Azerbaijan’s other medals were taken by judokas Rustam Orudjev (73kg) and Elmar Gasimov (100kg) - both silver. Bronze medals were claimed by Greco-Roman wrestler Sabah Shariati (130 kg) and rower Inna Osypenko-Radomska, who took the Olympic bronze in women’s 200 meters kayak single.

Azerbaijani boxer Lorenzo Zollazor Sotomayor has tonight advanced to the semifinal of the Rio Olympic Games. Sotomayor also sealed a bronze medal after beating Cuban Yasnier Toledo 3-0 in quarterfinal.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan still has chance to win this year’s gold. Seven Azerbaijani sportsmen will join the Games today.  Azerbaijani wrestlers Mariya Stadnik (women-freestyle, -48 kg) and Yuliya Ratkevich (women-freestyle, -58 kg), athlete Hayle Ibrahimov(5000 m), taekwondoist Patimat Abakarova(women, -49 kg), canoer Valentin Demyanenko (C-1 200 m, sprint) will begin the participation in the Olympiad on August 17.

Inna Osypenko-Radomska will take part in canoeing sprint (Women's kanoe 500 m).

Boxer Elvin Mamishzada (-52 kg) will fight for advancing to the semi-finals.

Fifty-six athletes are representing Azerbaijan at the 2016 Summer Olympics, underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.