LET’S SUPPORT THE VETERANS!

The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Azerbaijan has launched a new project to support veterans of the Second Garabagh War. The main objective is to attract war veterans to sports, to support them morally. According to the concept, the injured citizens of Azerbaijan should stay optimistic, despite the problems and disabilities.

It is extremely important to constantly show concern for the soldiers wounded during the liberation of Azerbaijani territories. That is why NPC intends to actively promote the attraction of veterans to sports competitions.

Vice-President of NPC, two-time paralympic judo champion, two-time world champion and seven-time European champion Ilham ZAKIYEV shared his views on this project and many other things.

"Let’s talk about your project to attract veterans of the Garabagh War to the paralympic movement. How long will it take for them to participate in competitions?"

"Firstly, I would like to thank the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev and the valiant Azerbaijani Army for the victory. May the souls of our martyrs rest in peace! We will never forget the heroism of our veterans. Many disabled veterans of the First Garabagh War have successfully represented Azerbaijan in the international arena as part of national teams. This includes, for example, the head coach of the bullet shooting team Akber Muradov, a member of this team Elshan Jabiyev, the head coach of the national archery team Ilgar Abbasov.

“We must try to attract our veterans of the Second Garabagh War to the sport. As part of the Paralympic Movement, the disabled athletes will represent Azerbaijan internationally. This sets new goals for them. Sport helps people live and fight. In this context, we will do our best to make sure that our veterans take part in major competitions. As part of the Paralympic Movement, and with the help of professional trainers, they can achieve success in various sports in the shortest possible time. Some veterans have already contacted the National Paralympic Committee.”

"What areas do they have more realistic chances to prove themselves?"

“They don't have to be professional athletes. They can do sports just to re-integrate to the society. We will also support those who want to prepare professionally. We mostly expect applications to join athletic competitions. Maybe judo, although it is a little more difficult. Since I was doing judo before the war, it was easier for me to return to this sport. The main thing is not to leave our veterans unattended.”

"You often visit visually impaired veterans. You probably understand them better..."

"Yes, I do visit such veterans when I learn that they are in my neighbourhood or within my reach. I immediately try to see and talk to them. I have already left behind the difficult stage of losing my vision. I mean I lost my eyes long ago. But I think it is my duty to meet others. We talk, I give them advice. We have such veterans in the village of Novkhani, another veteran is Ismail Huseynov who lives in Jalilabad. I visited both. I expressed my support, gave them necessary advice. May God heal all our veterans!

“We try to periodically visit the families of martyrs, provide them with moral and material support. Our state gives them all-round attention and care. But moral support is also needed. I want to address all citizens: if there are families of martyrs or veterans in the neighbourhood, go visit and support them. They need constant attention. After losing vision, a person experiences unusual feelings. I understand them well. We cannot leave our veterans unattended!”

"How did the pandemic affect you?"

"I had an injury. But I am well now. I do not train on tatami, but I do small training workouts. We believe that the world will free itself from this evil. We wish we could return to normal sport activities as soon as possible."

"How do you fight the coronavirus?"

"The virus has had an extremely negative impact on athletes. We are not able to train at international training camps. It is an extremely dangerous disease, but it is necessary to adapt to the current global situation. You just need to take care of yourself, loved ones and follow the rules. We try to comply with them."

"How long do you need to get in the best shape?"

"I had a surgical operation due to an injury to my right elbow. Doctor insisted on urgent surgery. I was operated with the support of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation in Turkey. Currently, the rehabilitation period is ending. I am gradually recovering my training. Our goal is the Tokyo Summer Paralympics. We have won the license, we are getting ready. We dream to represent our country with dignity and raise our flag there. Prior to that, we expect to take part at the IBSA Grand Prix tournament slated in May. It is going to be a tough competition. Since this is the last licensed tournament before the Tokyo Olympics, all countries will try to take part. This is something like a small world championship.

In April, I also intend to participate in traditional competitions in England, and then in Baku. These competitions are for rating. We have to regain shape before that. Our constant goal is the gold medal. We are trying to achieve the maximum. Some say that the main thing is participation in the Olympics. However, this is not the case for me. I want to represent my country with dignity and return with a high result.”

"Do you think the Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in Tokyo?"

"We hope it will. Who could have said last year that the Olympics would be postponed? But the current situation in the world has postponed the largest competition on the planet. All athletes wish the Olympics and Paralympics tournaments be held. I think the final decision will be made in March. In line with the epidemiological situation, the International Olympic Committee is ready to do the necessary work."