The competition was a decisive stage in the qualification process for the 2026 World Championships and World Youth and Junior Championships.
From July 2 to 5, the Azerbaijan Sambo Cup, dedicated to the memory of Abulfaz Aliev, Master of Sports of the USSR and the Republic of Azerbaijan, was held at the Absheron Olympic Sports Complex. The tournament brought together youth, junior, and adult sambists and was organized in close collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Sambo Federation.
Prize competition unfolded across three age groups. The youth competitions were held in eight weight categories, while juniors and adults competed in seven. A total of 81 sets of medals were awarded over the days of competition, with 88 awards total. 351 athletes, representing 29 teams from cities and regions of the republic, competed for victory.
The Azerbaijan Cup had a special status—it served as a qualifying tournament. Based on the results of the bounts, the national team that will represent the country at the World Youth and Junior Championships, as well as the 2026 World Adult Championships, was determined. Thus, the tournament not only honored the memory of sambist Abulfaz Aliyev but also provided berths to major international competitions for Azerbaijan’s strongest sambists.