Greco-Roman coach Bana aiming to end Azerbaijan’s Olympic gold drought
Newly appointed head coach Mohammad Bana has set his sights on ending Azerbaijan’s long wait for an Olympic gold medal after taking charge of the wrestling powerhouse’s Greco-Roman national team.
Azerbaijan last claimed an Olympic Greco-Roman gold through Farid Mansurov in the 66kg weight class at Athens 2004.
Bana was officially unveiled by the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation last week, marking his return to a major coaching role since parting ways with Iran’s national team following a below‑par campaign at the 2022 World Championships in Belgrade, where his 10‑man squad won two silver medals and one bronze, finishing fourth in the team standings.
The federation highlighted Bana’s distinguished record in its announcement: “Under Bana’s leadership, the Iranian national team won three gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games – a record in Iranian wrestling. At Tokyo 2020, the same team secured one gold and one bronze. In 2011, Bana was named the world’s best coach by United World Wrestling.”
It added, “He is regarded as one of the most successful and respected head coaches in Greco‑Roman wrestling history. Bana’s coaching philosophy is built on systematic training, discipline, tactical thinking, and psychological resilience.”
The 67‑year‑old will be joined in Azerbaijan by fellow Iranian coaches Sabah Shariati, Bahrouz Hazratipur, and Rasoul Chazini.
“I am very happy to have been selected as head coach of the Azerbaijan national team,” Bana said after signing his contract. “This is a very strong team that has consistently won medals on the world stage. The responsibility is significant, but together with our selected staff, we are working with great determination.
“I hope we can not only maintain the high level of Azerbaijani wrestling but also elevate it further. There is a medal that has been elusive for 23 years. Now, our aim is to achieve even greater success by winning an Olympic gold. God willing, through our planned programs, the quality of wrestling will improve day by day.”
He outlined the team’s clear objective: “In our discussions with the leadership of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, our main goal has been clearly defined – to focus entirely on winning Olympic gold. We face two major challenges ahead, and we intend to overcome them. Our priority is to follow a correct and effective path over the remaining two years leading to the Games.
“This journey will bring various accomplishments, but ultimately, we want to reach Olympic gold. I am proud to be here and to shoulder this great responsibility.”