WHY SILVER?

On December 4-6, Tokyo hosted the Parajudo Grand Prix Licence Tournament. Azerbaijani athletes became the 14th best in the team classification, with 6 medals during three days of the competition: four silver and two bronze medals. 

Six medals from the Grand Prix

Both Ilham Zakiev (90kg+) and Vugar Shirinli (60kg) lost in the final fights, becoming the second strongest athletes only. Meanwhile, both judokas were very close to get a gold medal. In the women's competition, Shahana Yusifova (48kg) and Khanim Huseynova (70kg) also won silver medals. Namig Abbasli (66kg) and Dursadaf Karimova (70kg+) took bronze.

"I did not know my first opponent, we met for the first time. And I beat him in 7 seconds. I already new my other opponents. Unfortunately, a small injury I got affected the final bout. Actually, we didn't return from Tokyo without medals. We have significantly improved our position in the rankings. I hope we can do well in all three upcoming competitions," Ilham Zakiev, a living legend of the World Paralympics and two-time Paralympic champion, said about his participation at the tournament.

We want to hear Azerbaijani anthem at the Paralympics

As to his performance in the final stage, Zakiev noted that the Moldovan athlete Ion Basoc was helped by his weak eyesight: "We met twice before the final. Each of us had a victory. We are both considered strong in this category. Unlike me, he has relatively good eyesight. So he is more comfortable doing tricks. I believe I can beat him by working more on myself. There is a possibility that we will meet again at the Paris Olympic Games."

Commenting on his silver medal, the athlete said: "Each of us wanted to win gold. Unfortunately, we lost in the final stage. However, we were not left without medals. We can't be discouraged. The main goal is the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris."

Ilham Zakiyev, who is also the vice-president of the Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee, noted that the athletes got tired: "In the middle of the season and at the end of the year we felt that judokas got tired. This year we participated in four competitions. Yet, each of the athletes did their best. And the result was encouraging. The women's team won two silver and one bronze medals, while the men won two silver and one bronze. We will work to ensure that our team is in top shape for the Paralympics. We want to honourably represent our homeland and hear the Azerbaijani national anthem in the arena."

I'll fight as long as I can

The 43-year-old athlete added that he was not thinking of ending his career: "I'm tuned to attend the Summer Paralympic Games. Many people may think that Ilham Zakiyev is old. But despite my age, I bring medals to my country, I never return from any tournament without awards. I'll end my career as soon as any young Azerbaijani judoka beats me. But as long as I can, I will fight. I will make a final decision after Paris."

The national parajudo team is planning to train in 2024 with a special programme. Once the athletes' travel schedule is approved in the first months of the new year, all eyes will be on the Summer Paralympic Games in Paris.