DURRES, October 14 – RIA "Dagestan". Islam Abakarov, a five-time Russian Weightlifting Champion, made his debut at the European Championship currently underway in Durrës, Albania, securing fifth place in the men’s up to 55 kg category.
The athlete, coached by Mansur Elmurzaev, achieved a combined total of 242 kg, comprising a 108 kg snatch and a 134 kg clean and jerk. Coach Elmurzaev characterized this international exposure as a pivotal developmental milestone, noting that while current results reflect necessary adaptation, Abakarov’s potential warrants expectations of future podium contention contingent upon continued rigorous training.
Additionally, three other athletes with Dagestani training backgrounds—Shamil Binataliev, Islam Khasanov, and Mirbagir Shakhnamazov—are competing these championship representing other Russian regions, underscoring the republic’s role as a talent incubator for national-level weightlifting.