On November 28, the draw ceremony for the national championship among women and men took place. The event was attended by the Executive Vice President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF), Rashad Rasulov; the Advisor to the AJF President and Chairman of the Referees Committee, Natig Baghirov; as well as Deputy Secretary General and Sports Director, Kamran Talibov.

In his speech, Rashad Rasulov expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the competition sponsor "Azman Holding," and the Federation's main sponsor, "Azercell Telecom." He highlighted that over 320 athletes from 60 sports organizations will participate in the championship. Rasulov noted that this year has been a remarkable one for Azerbaijani judo, with historic results achieved at the Olympic Games, European and World Championships, as well as in junior and youth competitions. He emphasized that these successes provide great motivation for both the athletes and the Federation's future endeavors.

Rashad Rasulov underlined that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the competitions are held at a high level and invited fans to watch the matches at the arena.

Natig Baghirov stressed the experience and professionalism of the referees. He expressed confidence that the competitions would be conducted fairly and transparently, wishing success to all the athletes.

Kamran Talibov provided information about the competition program during the draw ceremony, after which the draw officially began.

It should be noted that the national championship will take place from November 29 to December 1 at the Baku Sports Hall.

Entry to the arena is free. The competitions can be watched live on "İdman TV" and the official YouTube channel of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

Through the initiative of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF), a new judo hall has begun operations in Bilajari settlement. On November 6, AJF’s Executive Vice President Rashad Rasulu, Vice President Elnur Mammadli, Olympic champion Hidayat Heydarov, and other officials visited the hall to observe the facilities.

The judo hall includes a 320 sq.m “dojo” (judo training hall) and a 75 sq.m physical preparation area. The dojo is equipped with mats from Germany's “Zebra” company, the official supplier of the International Judo Federation, while the physical preparation zone is fitted with necessary sports equipment to support children's physical development in judo. Additionally, there are waiting areas for parents, as well as rooms for coaches and changing facilities.

Rashad Rasulov emphasized that one of AJF’s primary focuses is enhancing the material and technical base of judo training halls across the country: “Ensuring the operation of a judo hall that meets the highest standards in Bilajari, one of Baku’s largest settlements with a population of over 50,000, is the latest project undertaken by the Federation in this area. We believe this new judo hall will provide a valuable opportunity for children, teenagers, and youth living in the settlement to make productive use of their free time.”

Since 2022, the Federation has provided nearly 100 judo halls in Baku and the regions with 6,500 tatami mats, enabling 1,300 athletes to train free of charge. Additionally, with the financial support of the Federation, regional training centers have been established in Sumgayit, Ganja, Zagatala, and Gusar, and judo halls in Aghstafa, Sabirabad, Gazakh, the village of Agali in the Zangilan region, and the Zira settlement in Baku have been renovated and put to use.

In line with the Federation’s program for next year, approximately 50 judo halls are set to receive an additional 4,000 tatami mats, with new judo halls expected to open in Imishli, Shabran, Gakh, and several other regions.

A Memorandum of Understanding aimed at advancing judo education was signed between the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF), the Azerbaijan Sports Academy, and the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.

Through this collaboration, a modern educational program tailored to current standards will be developed and implemented for students studying judo coaching at the Azerbaijan Sports Academy. This will enhance the quality of judo education in the country and ensure higher standards in the coaching field.

As part of the project, theoretical and practical lessons have already begun for first- and second-year judo coaching students at the Azerbaijan Sports Academy. These classes are held at the Federation’s Training Center according to a set schedule, with a total of 62 students currently participating. The lessons are taught by Professor Mike Callan alongside invited foreign and local experts.

The signing ceremony was attended by the British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld; the Rector of the Azerbaijan Sports Academy, Fuad Hajiyev; AJF Executive Vice President Rashad Rasulov; and other officials.

Rashad Rasulov noted that this cooperation is a significant step towards the comprehensive development of judo in Azerbaijan: “At the core of the Federation’s 2024-2028 development strategy is the training and advancement of coaches who meet the highest standards in judo. Through this initiative, we are investing in Azerbaijan’s judo future, ensuring our coaches receive training aligned with top international standards.”

Professor Dr. Mike Callan from the University of Hertfordshire highlighted that the principle of mutual benefit forms the basis of the Federation’s work: “The Federation’s activities extend beyond the development of athletes in national teams, taking significant steps to create a community that provides mutual benefits by collaborating with all partners within the judo ecosystem. I am confident this project will directly contribute to nurturing a new generation of judo coaches in Azerbaijan.”

The Rector of the Azerbaijan Sports Academy, Fuad Hajiyev, stated that this cooperation represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the quality of judo education and coaching in Azerbaijan and ensure future generations engage in sports safely and healthily.

The British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and the application of British expertise, thanking the organizers for inviting him to an event he considers an important step toward the education and health of future generations.

Following the ceremony, attendees observed a practical lesson. Rector Fuad Hajiyev addressed the students, offering advice on making the most of this opportunity created for them.

On October 18, the European Judo Union (EJU) Medical Commission’s International Medical Seminar began its work in Baku.

In his opening speech, Rashad Rasullu, the Executive Vice President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, mentioned that last year they had reached out to the EJU with the initiative to host this seminar and expressed gratitude for the trust shown. He emphasized that the seminar would provide a valuable platform for sports doctors to enhance their knowledge, exchange experiences, and discuss professional medical issues. R. Rasullu highlighted that the health of athletes is a top priority for the federation and stressed that efforts to develop medical practices in sports will continue. He also expressed thanks to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Azercell Telecom, and Azman Holding for their support in organizing the seminar.

Elnur Mammadov, the head of the Sports Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, noted the participation of many representatives from various countries and expressed his satisfaction with this. He emphasized that the success of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games would be the result of the dedicated work of professionals.

Envic Galea, the head of the EJU Medical Commission, expressed his delight that the seminar is being held in Baku, stating that this event opens new perspectives for the participants. Galea emphasized the close cooperation between the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, the International Judo Federation, and the EJU, noting that the ACF is recognized as a regional center. He added that Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries in the field of sports.

It should be noted that the seminar will continue until October 19.