Azerbaijani Sportsman Stripped of Medal for Disrespecting the Armenian National Anthem

MOSCOW — Azerbaijani sambo wrestler Bakhtiyar Abbasov will lose his bronze medal, which he had received during the Sambo World Cup, and be banned from competitions for two years, based on a decision by the disciplinary committee of the International Sambo Federation.
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The President of the European Sambo Federation Sergey Eliseev had denounced Abbasov for his unsportsmanlike behavior during the performance of the Armenian national anthem at an award ceremony during the recent World Cup in Moscow. Abbasov demonstratively squatted as the Armenian anthem was playing in honor of Ashot Danielian, an Artsakh-born Armenian fighter, who won the gold at the tournament.

“I condemn this act and find it unacceptable for a sportsman, especially considering that he’s a member of the national team of Azerbaijan and represents his country at the official World Cup. This is unsportsmanlike behavior. Such a sportsman does not deserve to become a prize-winner at the World Cup,” Sergey Eliseev said in a statement posted on the official page of the Federation.

“I consider that the athlete, who violates the rules of the tournament and ethical norms, should be excluded from competitions and be stripped of his medal,” President of the European Sambo Federation said.