Rasul Chunayev

Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler

Rasul Abakar oghlu Chunayev (Azerbaijani: Rəsul Çunayev) is an Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler. He was born 7 January 1991 in Yeni Şərif,^[1] Balakən, Azerbaijan, to Avar parents. He is a world champion and European vice-champion in men's Greco-Roman wrestling.^[2]

Career

In 2015, he won gold medal at 2015 European Games and became the first athlete to win gold while being on active duty for Azerbaijani Armed Forces.^[3]

Chunayev loves dancing. His character is frequently described as laid-back and relaxed. His most notable celebration came after Chunayev defeated Russian wrestler Islambek Albiev at the 2013 Summer Universiade, when he performed the Lezginka, a traditional dance of the Caucacus, on the mat.^[4]^[5] He also gave a military salute as a sign of respect to the Azerbaijani families of victims in Karabakh after defeating Armenian wrestler Varsham Boranyan during 2014 World Wrestling Championships in Tashkent.^[6]

^ Rəsul Çunayev: Yaxşı idmançı rinqdə bilinər
^ Yunan-Roma güləşi yığmamız Avropa üçüncüsü oldu / FOTO-VİDEO (in Azerbaijani)
^ "Rasul Chunayev: 'As a soldier of Azerbaijan, I am very proud that…' / PHOTO". awf-az.org. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
^ Carson, Dan. "Azerbaijani Wrestler Celebrates Gold Medal Win with Most Beautiful Dance Ever". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
^ Boebel, Rick. "This Azerbaijani Wrestler's Dance Is The Reason Wrestling Should Still Be In The Olympics". www.sportsgrid.com. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
^ Наш борец победил армянина всего за 23 секунды - ФОТО + ВИДЕО. ru.oxu.az (in Russian). 15 September 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.