Judo players celebrate this day, October 28, as the most significant day and holiday. Jigaro Kano, the creator of judo, great master, educator, and scientist, was born in Japan in 1860. As a person who made an incomparable contribution to the world of martial arts, his memory is dear and unforgettable to everyone who puts on judoka and steps on the tatami.

Judo has a history in Azerbaijan, and like the fate of thousands of our compatriots, this sport has an unparalleled role in my life. On this significant day, we remember with respect and honor the persons who have rendered important services in the creation and development of judo in our country. Some have attained the truth and are in our ranks today.

I am fortunate to have learned the secrets of judo from one of those people – an honored physical education and sportsman, knight of the “Glory” and 1st class “For Service to the Fatherland” orders, my dear teacher Tarlan Hasanov. I still meet him every time.  He is valuable to me.

Azerbaijani judo pleases us with its remarkable achievements. The names of our four Olympic champions – Nazim Huseynov, Elnur Mammadli, Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev, as well as our Olympic medalists Rustam Orujov, Elmar Gasimov, Mevlud Miraliyev, our two-time Paralympic champion Ilham Zakiyev, Paralympic champion Ramil Gasimov, and our world and European champions have a special place in our country’s sports history.

Azerbaijan is a world-class sports country that hosts the most prestigious judo competitions. The 2018 world championship was held in Baku, and in 2026, our capital will again host world judokas.

The state cares for the development of judo in our country, the Honorable President, the President of the National Olympic Committee, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, like other sports, constantly supports judo and judo players.

I am proud of the achievements of the “Judo Club 2012” sports club, which I founded as a member of the Azerbaijani judo family. Our club operates sections for all age groups, and necessary conditions have been created for the Azerbaijan Judo Veterans Association members. In our activities, we constantly feel the attention and concern of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, its management, and the Executive Committee.

There is a lot to write and talk about Azerbaijani judo on this significant day. Maybe not enough to fit in a book… However, this is a holiday greeting and I convey my heart to all judo lovers and say: Happy World Judo Day! I wish everyone a healthy and long life, joy, and victory!

Azer Askerov