Haji Aliyev refuses to participate in upcoming European Championship

Azerbaijani wrestler Haji Aliyev will not take part in the 2020 European Championship, the 28-year-old athlete told Report.

The three-time European and World champion in the weight category of 65 kg explained his decision by preparing for a licensed tournament for the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"I believe that the coaches will give Turan Bayramov or Ali Rahimzada a chance to perform at the European Championship. My goal is to take part in the license tournament and get a ticket to the Olympics."

Notably, the European Championship will be held in Rome on February 10-16. European Qualification Tournament will be held on March 19-22 in Budapest, while the World Qualification Tournament will take place on April 30 - May 3 in the capital of Bulgaria Sofia.