OFF-SIDE WINNER

In recent years, Azerbaijani Paralympians have regularly wowed sports fans at prestigious events. At the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games, the Azerbaijani team achieved a record-breaking result with 14 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals.

As of 2022, international sports organisations began to tighten the Paralympic rules. This resulted in the abolition of several categories in Parajudo.

Eliminated for Life

At the World Judo Championships for the Visually Impaired (Para Judo) held in Astana from 13 to 15 May, Shahana Hajiyeva, gold medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, failed to pass the medical classification for judokas with partial visual impairment (category J2, 52 kg). As a result, the 24-year-old athlete from the Sumgayit judo school was suspended from competition for life.

The Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee explained the decision as follows: “The B1, B2, and B3 categories used at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games have been reorganised into the J1 and J2 categories for the period up to and including the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Due to these changes, many eye conditions previously classified under J2 have been removed from eligibility.

"Consequently, all our Para-Judo athletes were reclassified medically by the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA). Although Shakhana Hajiyeva competed in the J2 category until 2024, it has now been clarified that she can no longer participate under the updated criteria. The committee is taking all necessary steps to adapt to these evolving medical classification requirements.”

The Impact of Changing Rules

Born on 6 July 2000 in Sumgayit, Shahana Hajiyeva achieved notable success early in her career, winning medals at several judo tournaments in 2015 and 2016. She began competing in para judo in 2018 and won a Paralympic gold medal.

Hajiyeva herself expressed concern that the IBSA decision has been misunderstood. Regarding the situation, she said: “I have been competing in para judo for many years. In 2022, I submitted myself to a medical commission and received official documentation regarding my health status. This allowed me to participate in the 2024 World Championships. Since 2017, I have become European champion and won medals at World Games and World Championships.

"Recently, rule changes have caused difficulties. The B1, B2, and B3 visual impairment categories were replaced by J1 and J2. At the end of 2024, the International Paralympic Committee permitted me to compete in J2. However, at my last medical examination, I was told I no longer qualified for this category. Under new rules, both eyes must have similar impairments. You cannot compete if only one eye is affected.”

According to Hajiyeva, athletes may appeal IBSA decisions twice. After her first appeal was rejected in Astana, she chose to wait until 2026 to reapply:

“I will submit updated medical records next year for both eyes. Being barred from this year’s World Championships does not mean I am banned from all competitions. I still have a chance to participate in future events.”

Personal story and significance

Hajiyeva revealed her vision problems began in childhood: “At nine years old, it was discovered I had eyesight issues. Unfortunately, my condition is hereditary. Despite my parents’ efforts to seek treatment, nothing helped. Later, I started practising para judo. Sport became my motivation and gave me a new lease on life.

"Through competing, I hope to inspire young people with similar challenges to take up sport. Whether amateur or professional training, sports helps people regain confidence and sparks interest in an active lifestyle.”

Para judo holds a unique place within the international Paralympic movement. According to technical medical classifications, it is exclusively for athletes with visual impairments—partial (B2, B3) or total (B1). Under current rules, partial vision loss must be present in both eyes for eligibility.