Azerbaijan Wrestling Exchange

About the Program

From May 14 – May 25, a delegation of 9 participants from Alaska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas traveled to Azerbaijan for a Women’s Wrestling Exchange. Throughout their visit, which was funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs’ Sport for Social Change Program, implemented by PH International with the support from Wrestle Like A Girl as the sub-award, the group was able to highlight women’s empowerment through wrestling in several areas of Azerbaijan.

During the exchange, the delegation visited 5 cities, Baku, Ganja, Maselli, Lankaran, and Sheki. Throughout the exchange, the group was able to have Practical Training Sessions and Motivational Conversations with athletes training at the Wrestling Federation’s Training Center, Ganja Olympic Stadium, Baku Olympic Stadium, Masalli Olympic Center, and Lankaran Olympic Center. In addition to the training sessions, the delegation met with the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee and the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sport to discuss the importance of allowing women and girls to wrestle and coach.

When the group was not on the mat or in meetings, the group was able to visit the Women’s Hosiery Center in Masalli, visit a research facility studying tea in the Lankaran region, visit the Carpet Museum in Baku, and watch the U23 European Wrestling Championships.