The continuous development of our judo is a source of pride

Azerbaijani judo is in the spotlight of the world. This is no coincidence. Our athletes, who represent our country in international competitions, are not only able to compete at an equal level with the most influential representatives of world judo, but in some cases even surpass them.

This year alone, the Azerbaijani national team has won 22 medals in international tournaments in various age groups, including 5 gold, 6 bronze, and 11 silver, which is an indicator of the continuous development of our judo.

We are sincerely pleased and proud that at the VI Islamic Solidarity Games, which ended a few days ago in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, our Olympic champions Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev once again demonstrated their leadership in their weight categories, and that our judokas won first place in the mixed team competitions, defeating all their rivals.

The achievements of the young member of “Judo Club 2012” Huseyn Allahyarov, who has attracted attention with his consistent successes in recent years, as well as the members of the national team Kenan Nasibov, Eljan Hajiyev and others in international competitions, should be considered bright pages of the Azerbaijani judo chronicle.

Of course, successes and achievements are achieved thanks to the strength and determination of our athletes. What creates a strong spirit of victory and self-confidence in them is the care of sports by our state, and the purposeful and efficient organization of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

In a few days, Azerbaijani judokas will test their strength in the republican championship. This is considered the most serious competition in which young people prove themselves and play an important role in the formation of the national team. Every athlete who takes to the tatami at the national championship knows that this arena is also the beginning of the path to Europe and the world.

We expect brilliant performances, strong struggle and principled confrontation from each of them. Members of the Azerbaijani judo family have proven for years that they are among the favorites, whether at world championships, European arenas, or the Olympic Games.

For the second year in a row, we are delighted to be sponsoring the national judo championship. Personally, as a judo veteran, I welcome the continued development of this sport in our country! May the strong win!

Azer Askerov