GRAND SLAM RECORDS

In February, the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, hosted the authoritative judo tournament from the Grand Slam series for the 10th time. Sixty-two countries participated in this competition, which held the status of a qualifying event for the Olympic Games. Remarkably, the national team secured the top spot in the team classification, winning a total of 8 medals.

As 2024 marks an Olympic year, the absence of the Japanese team in the tournament was notable, given their customary practice of preserving their athletes' physical condition. Nonetheless, the success of Azerbaijani judokas remained undiminished by this absence.

Tough fight

A notable highlight was the exceptional performance in the 73kg category. Three-time European champion Hidayat Heydarov faced his undefeated compatriot Rashid Mammadaliyev in the semi-finals, triumphing despite a nose injury. In the final match, Heydarov contended against young wrestler Abubakr Sherov from Tajikistan, demonstrating great effort to secure victory in their first encounter. Heydarov's experience proved decisive as he claimed his sixth Grand Slam title, earning Azerbaijan a gold medal.

Reflecting on his achievement in an interview with R+, Hidayat Heydarov shared, "The Tajik athlete in the final was new to adult competitions. Although unfamiliar with him, I will be better prepared next time. While he is a talented athlete, I anticipate an easier victory in our next encounter. Our focus in competitions in Baku is always on winning the gold medal. This tournament serves as part of our preparation for the Olympics in France. Our collective aim is to hear the Azerbaijani anthem in Paris."

Decent Performance

Despite Rashid Mammadaliyev missing out on medals, his potential as a future cornerstone of the Azerbaijani national team is evident. Zelim Chkayev's victory in the 81kg category underscored his well-planned strategy that led to success. Noteworthy was Omar Rajabli's performance in this weight class; finishing as a silver medallist after losing to teammate Zelim Chkayev marked a commendable debut among adults.

In the weight categories of 60kg and 66kg, talented judokas Balabey Aghayev and Yashar Najafov secured bronze medals for Azerbaijan. Their achievements in fierce competition should be acknowledged positively, with emphasis on continued physical preparation for upcoming prestigious competitions.

On the final day of the tournament, Murad Fatiev claimed gold in the 90kg category, Jamal Gamzatkhanov earned silver in the +100kg category, and Vugar Talibov secured bronze in the 90kg category. Notably, Vugar Talybov's stellar performance against wrestlers from the French national team positions him as a promising asset for Azerbaijan's future judo endeavours.

Having completed his inaugural season among adults, Vugar Talibov triumphed over two wrestlers from the French national team, notably defeating Axel Clerge and Alexis Mathieu to secure a well-deserved place on the podium. Additionally, by overcoming Dutchman Noel van't Ende in the consolation bout, Talibov showcased his potential to emerge as a key figure in the future of the Azerbaijan national team.

Among the standout judokas, Jamal Gamzatkhanov in the +100kg category deserves recognition for his victory over two-time Olympic medallist Rafael Silva, culminating in a second-place finish after losing in the final. Noteworthy performances also came from female judokas Aydan Veliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva, with Aidan demonstrating remarkable perseverance despite falling short in the bronze medal contest, while Leyla secured a respectable seventh-place finish.

Historic Achievement

Elkhan Mammadov, head coach of the Azerbaijani national youth team, lauded the team's success at the Grand Slam event in Baku. He emphasized the significance of securing eight medals as a testament to the national team's potential, expressing optimism for future endeavours. Mammadov highlighted the promising talents of Eljan Hajiyev and Zelim Kotsoyev, noting their capabilities on the global judo stage and expressing confidence in their resurgence to peak form. He commended the performances of Omar Rajabli, Vugar Talibov, and Jamal Gamzatkhanov, former world and European champions transitioning to adult competition, projecting a strong medal contention at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The unexpected outcome of Azerbaijani national team members Eljan Hajiyev, Said Mollai, and Zelim Kotsoyev failing to secure medals prompted critical evaluation by the coaching staff, particularly regarding Kotsoyev's performance. Mollai's weak showing raises concerns about his Olympic prospects, with Zelim Chkaev presenting a more favourable impression in his weight category.

In the fiercely contested 90kg category, a decision looms between Eljan Hajiyev and Murad Fatiyev, with the latter demonstrating superior readiness at the recent tournament. Similarly, in the weight class up to 60kg, coaches face a choice between Balabey Aghayev and Turan Bayramov for Olympic representation in Paris.

Following the Grand Slam competitions, judokas are engaged in training camps in Gusar to refine their skills amidst a demanding schedule.