TO TOKYO FROM TOKYO

Judokas from all over the world have gathered recently in Tokyo for the main competition of the year, where they had a chance to win licenses for the Summer Olympic Games next year. This has doubly exacerbated competition at the world championship attended by athletes from 147 countries. The Azerbaijani team returned home with two medals.

The women's national team of Azerbaijan left the prestigious event without medals. In principle, it was expected. Aisha Gurbanly, Leyla Aliyeva, Gultaj Mammadaliyeva, Larisa Alexandra Florian, Ichinkhorloo Munkhtsedev, Gunel Hasanli and Irina Kindzerskaya could not become the winners of the tournament. As in most previous competitions, they could not stand strong competition on tatami. Even Irina Kindzerskaya, who is recognised for her stable performances, could not justify the status of the team leader. Although she is rightfully considered the strongest athlete in her weight category (more than 78 kg).

Unlike the girls, the men's judo team of Azerbaijan completed the minimum program. Davud Mammadsoy could not succeed in the first big competition in his sports career. Nijat Shikhalizadeh (66 kg) started the competition well but failed to win at the decisive stage. Mammadali Mehdiyev (90 kg), Elmar Gasimov, Zelim Kotsoev (both 100 kg) and Ushangi Kokauri (more than 100 kg) also did not meet the expectations of their fans. It seemed that our wrestlers were not ready enough for the championship physically - they barely reached the finish line, and did not show successful performance in decisive fights.

Performance of Azerbaijani judokas in 73 kg weight category was quite well though. Rustam Orujev and Hidayat Heydarov, who hold honourable places in the world ranking, once again demonstrated that they are the favourites of the championship. After three victories in a row, Orujev and Heydarov met each other in the semifinals. The winner was Rustam Orujev. In a comforting match, Heydarov met with Somon Mahmadbekov from Tajikistan. Beating his opponent in extra time, Heydarov won the bronze medal of the championship. It was also the first medal of Azerbaijani judokas at the world championship.

Unfortunately, Orujev could not reach the final stage of the competition. In the weight category of athletes up to 73 kg, his rival was Shohei Ono from Japan, who defeated Rustam with ippon.

Azerbaijani national team took the 11th place in the team classification of the championship with one silver and one bronze medal.

As far as Rustam's defeat to Ono is concerned, it should be mentioned that Orujev is the winner of the European Championship and a silver medallist of the Olympic Games. But it seems that his repeated defeats to Ono at the final stages of prestigious competitions is turning into a psychological factor. Rustam still cannot beat Ono. This was Rustam's first defeat to Ono after the 2016 Summer Olympics, and it requires a serious analysis. At the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, the Japanese athlete will become the main contender of the championship.

Rustam commented on his defeat as follows: “This was another meeting with Shohei after the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. I was ready, but he is a strong athlete. Although we have met several times before, I still could not defeat him. I hope that I will correct the situation in the future. We have been competing with each other since our childhood. In fact, this competition encourages me. I hope that I will meet Ono again in the finals of major competitions. I believe that next time the victory will be mine.”

In general, the performance of the Azerbaijani national team at the World Judo Championship deserves a tribute thanks to judokas in the weight category up to 73 kg. Rustam Orujev and Hidayat Heydarov are considered one of the strongest in the world. But only one athlete from each weight category will be able to represent Azerbaijan at the Tokyo Olympics. Therefore, we have to choose. Both athletes are determined to win medals in Tokyo 2020. It is difficult to say the same about the other members of the national team.

Mammadali Mehdiyev and Elmar Gasimov, who are considered the country's strongest athletes in their weight categories, have sufficient international experience. They should definitely prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. Apparently, coaches will pay great attention to the physical fitness of athletes. Functional problems of our athletes was obvious at the world championship in Japan. Our Olympics team of judokas will also include experienced athletes Orkhan Safarov and young and ambitious Keramet Huseynov. Therefore, fierce competition in the training camp is inevitable.

By the way, to qualify for the Summer Olympic Games, it is necessary to earn as many licence points as possible. During the year before the Games, athletes gain points by competing in international competitions. Given the potential of Azerbaijani wrestlers, we can assume that our men's team will be represented at the Olympics in all weight categories. We also hope that our three female athletes will also get qualified for participation in Tokyo 2020.