The local Azeri judoka team won two gold medals in Baku.
An exceptional performance from the Azeri judoka at the Baku Grand Slam, where he won two gold medals on the second day.
President Ilham Aliyev’s keen interest in judo contributed significantly to elevating the nation’s position in the world of judo.
In -73 kg, local hero and world number one Hidayat Heydarov aimed to win at home for the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall. A little quick thinking allowed him to defeat Abubakr Sherov of Tajikistan in the final.
President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation Rashad Nabiyev presented the medals.
“This is the fourth time I have won this Grand Slam, I am very loved by children and God willing, I will bring them an Olympic gold medal,” Heydarov said.
In the -63 kg category, another world number one, Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard was also in search of glory. However, after a grueling tactical battle, it was a delighted Austrian Lubjana Piovesana who summoned the power to throw by ippon and claim victory.
IFJ Vice President Laszlo Toth was on hand to present the medals.
“She beat me three times before, so, and always in fights like this, so I think she’s a very good judo player, I think she’s number one in the world right now and having her as a friend is really nice,” says Piovesana.
In the -70 kg category, it was a battle between two former world champions: Marie Eve Gahie and Barbara Matic. Matic sensationally fell under her opponent to score ippon and win the fight.
She received her medal from Fabrice Caquin, CEO of Selerys.
The -81kg final was an all-Azerbaijani affair, as compatriots Omar Rajabli and Zelim Tckaev battled it out for the title. Tckaev eventually scored ippon and earned his second Grand Slam victory.
Michael Michaely, President of Cedco Hungary, awarded the medals.
Throughout the event in Baku, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation’s “I Promise” campaign mobilized more than 4,000 children, adolescents and athletes who signed pledges against bullying, symbolized by wearing special bracelets .
Tomorrow, the heavyweights take the stage.
2024-02-24 19:56:35
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