Azerbaijani boxers make strong start at 3rd CIS Games boxing tournament

The boxing events at the 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games, currently underway in Azerbaijan, have commenced with promising performances from the host nation’s athletes.

The competition is being held at the Yevlakh Olympic Sports Complex, where three Azerbaijani boxers secured notable victories on the opening day, setting a confident tone for the tournament, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

In the women’s 46 kg category, Aysel Farajova dominated her quarterfinal bout against Belarusian contender Alexandra Kucikova, earning a unanimous 5-0 decision with judges’ scores reading 30:27, 30:27, 30:27, 30:26, and 30:26. This triumph guarantees Farajova at least a bronze medal as she advances to the semifinals, where she will face Uzbekistan’s Rukhshonabonu Akhadova on October 2.

Jamila Muradli, competing in the 54 kg division, also progressed to the semifinals following a commanding first-round stoppage victory over Tajikistan’s Nigora Yusupova. With a bronze medal assured, Muradli is set to clash with Kazakhstan’s Adelaide Sadvakasova on October 2 in a bout that will determine who advances to the final round.

In the men’s 63 kg division, Hagverdi Hasanov emerged victorious in a closely contested quarterfinal against Belarusian Bogdan Shashlikov, edging a 3-2 decision with scores of 28:29, 29:28, 30:27, 28:29, and 30:27. Hasanov’s advancement to the semifinals similarly secures him at least a bronze medal. He will face Russian opponent David Karababayev on October 3.

The boxing competitions at the 3rd CIS Games are scheduled to conclude on October 5, with Azerbaijan’s pugilists aiming to maintain their early momentum and maximize their medal haul on home soil.

By Vafa Guliyeva