Career
Born on September 17, 1968 in the Black Sea city of Rize, he began sports wrestling 1986 in Rize Çaykur Sports Club and continued in the clubs Halkbankası, TMO and TEDAŞ Clubs. As he was not qualified for the Turkish national team in 1999, Akif Pirim was offered the citizenship of Azerbaijan, which he accepted. He participated at the 1999 World Championships held in Athens, Greece, for Azerbaijan, however without success.
He is currently the head coach of the Turkish national team of Greco-Roman style wrestling.
1988 European Espoir Championships in Wałbrzych, Poland – 7th (57 kg).