Azerbaijani judoka Hidayet Heydarov has advanced to the final of the European Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, positioning himself to defend his continental title in the men’s 73 kg category. The reigning Olympic and world champion secured his place in the title match by defeating Turkey’s Bilal Ciloglu in the semifinals on April 17, 2026.
Heydarov, born on July 27, 1997, continues to demonstrate his dominance in European competition, having previously won gold medals at the championships in 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2024. His path to the Tbilisi final included victories over several opponents before facing Ciloglu in the last four.
The Azerbaijani star enters the final as the favorite, having captured Olympic gold in Paris just months ago and adding the world title in Abu Dhabi later in 2024. His exceptional form has seen him reach the pinnacle of the world rankings in his weight class.
Heydarov’s journey to Tbilisi began with strong performances in the early rounds, though specific details of his earlier matches were not available in the verified sources. The semifinal victory over Ciloglu, however, confirms his continued excellence on the continental stage.
The European Championships in Tbilisi represent another opportunity for Heydarov to add to his impressive medal collection. His previous European titles came in Warsaw (2017), Sofia (2022), Montpellier (2023), and Zagreb (2024), establishing him as one of the most successful judokas in recent European Championship history.
Looking beyond Tbilisi, Heydarov’s schedule includes potential participation in the 2026 European Championships, with verified sources indicating he is listed as a competitor in the -73 kg category for the Tbilisi 2026 event. However, his immediate focus remains on capturing a fifth consecutive European title.
The Azerbaijani judoka’s success has been built on a foundation of consistent international performance. In addition to his European dominance, Heydarov has earned medals at the World Championships, including bronze in 2018 (Baku), 2019 (Tokyo), and 2022 (Tashkent), before capturing gold in 2024.
His Olympic journey culminated in Paris 2024 where he claimed the top podium spot in the men’s 73 kg division, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. This was followed shortly after by his world championship victory in Abu Dhabi, cementing his status as the division’s premier athlete.
Heydarov comes from a sporting family, with his brothers Nolan and Ethan Hejdarov pursuing athletic careers in France. Nolan has achieved success as a junior world champion in wrestling, highlighting the family’s commitment to combat sports.
As the final approaches, Heydarov will aim to continue his pattern of rising to the occasion in major championships. His ability to perform consistently at the highest level has made him a role model for aspiring judokas across Azerbaijan and beyond.
The European Judo Championships final in Tbilisi will determine whether Heydarov can extend his reign as continental champion. A victory would mark his fifth straight European title and further solidify his legacy in the sport.
For ongoing updates on Heydarov’s performance and the conclusion of the European Judo Championships in Tbilisi, readers can follow official judo broadcasting channels and the International Judo Federation’s digital platforms.
What’s next: The European Judo Championships final in Tbilisi is scheduled to take place following the completion of all semifinal bouts. Heydarov will await the winner of the other semifinal match to determine his opponent in the title contest for the men’s 73 kg category.
Stay tuned to Archysport for the outcome of this pivotal match and comprehensive coverage of Heydarov’s quest for a fifth consecutive European judo title.
