Originally from Chechnya and a member of the Nice Wrestling Club, Zelimkhan Khadjiev is no stranger to high-level competition. Last year, he already clinched a promising bronze medal at the European Junior Championships.
Never before in France had a wrestler won this title. It is the young Nice resident, Zelimkhan Khadjiev, who during the Junior World Wrestling Championships held in Zagreb from August 5 to 10, 2014, became the French Junior World Champion in freestyle wrestling, defeating Azerbaijani Mahammadhaji MUKHUTOV.
During these World Championships in Zagreb, “Zelim” was ruthless, not conceding a single point until the final match, during which he yielded just one single point.
Still in the school system, this 20-year-old student of Chechen origin is a role model for the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi.
Received in his office to present him with a medal in person, the mayor of the city of Nice wanted to congratulate Zelimkhan Khadjiev, “I would like everyone to be inspired by what you have become, Zelim you are a model of integration. In a society like ours, today it is difficult to find your place. Through effort and performance, you can go far, and that is what you have done, I congratulate you. Studying alongside is fantastic. Moreover, you are from Nice,” concluded the mayor with a smile.
Words that Zelimkhan Khadjiev greatly appreciated, “Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor, I am happy to be from Nice! VIVA NISSA!”
A medal more for this young Nice resident in pursuit of becoming a renowned high-level athlete, another for France, where this sport is practiced by nearly 20,000 licensees, in its three forms (Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and women’s wrestling).
All this praise and congratulations serve as motivation for Zelimkhan Khadjiev, who will have to keep fighting to climb the steps of the podium.
A good sign before the selection for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
