Parviz Nasibov's Plans for the 2026 Season
Ukrainian Greco-Roman wrestler Parviz Nasibov has outlined his goals for the 2026 season, explaining his absence from the upcoming European Championships, a planned weight class change, and how the ongoing war has impacted athlete preparation. The European Wrestling Championships, scheduled for April 20, 2026, in Tirana, Albania, will be a significant event, but Nasibov will not be competing.
A two-time Olympic medalist, Nasibov missed qualifying for the European Championships after a 2-3 defeat to Dmytro Vasyliev at a tournament in France in January 2026. Consequently, Vasyliev will represent Ukraine in the 72 kg weight class in Tirana. Nasibov instead aims to compete at the 2026 World Championships in Bahrain this October, setting the ambitious goal of returning with a medal in his current 72 kg category.
“The main goal is to pass the Ukrainian selection and perform successfully at this year's World Championships in my current 72 kg weight class. Successfully means returning with a medal,” the wrestler stated.
Returning to a Lower Weight Class and Personal Life
Notably, Nasibov plans to return to the 67 kg weight class in 2027. “Yes, next year I will return to the Olympic category of 67 kg. Because my dream of Olympic gold is still alive,” he emphasized. The athlete also expressed his intention to win the Ukrainian national championship to confirm his leadership in the 72 kg category: “Now at the Ukrainian championship, I must win and confirm that I am the number one in this weight class.”
The training conditions for Ukrainian athletes, including the impact of the war, have drawn interest from international peers. “Of course, fellow wrestlers are interested in the situation in Ukraine. Many ask about our preparation under such difficult conditions,” Nasibov noted.
The Ukrainian national Greco-Roman wrestling team for the European Championships in Tirana will include four debutants. Among them is Yehor Yakušenko, a U23 World and European champion in the 97 kg category.
The wrestler's personal life also received mention. Parviz Nasibov married Olena Kremzer four years ago. Their son Ali, who will soon celebrate his second birthday, may become another wrestler in the family. “By the way, today marks exactly 10 years since I met Olena and four years since we got married,” the athlete added.
Thus, Parviz Nasibov continues to focus on his sporting ambitions despite the challenges posed by the war and his impending weight class transition. The participation of Ukrainian athletes in major international competitions remains crucial for maintaining national morale and sporting development during a time of conflict. The presence of new talents on the team demonstrates the resilience of Ukrainian wrestling, as athletes like Nasibov persist in pursuing high-level results and personal dreams under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
As Nasibov shifts his focus towards future competitions, including his aspirations for the Ukrainian wrestling team at the European Championships, the spotlight remains on the athletes who will represent Ukraine in Tirana. This year, the team boasts a strong lineup of 30 competitors, showcasing the resilience and talent of Ukrainian wrestlers amidst challenging circumstances.