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.

In June 2026, Azerbaijan will once again become the center of the judo world, hosting the Judo World Championships. An agreement has been reached between the International Judo Federation and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation regarding this.

It should be noted that the Judo World Championships in Baku will mark the start of the qualification rounds for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

This prestigious event is highly anticipated by the global judo community in the new Olympic cycle. The strongest athletes from numerous countries around the world will compete in the capital, Baku.

It is also worth mentioning that Azerbaijan previously hosted the Judo World Championships in 2018, successfully organizing a high-level international sports event.

In an article published by the International Judo Federation, the significance of Baku hosting this event is emphasized. It also highlights how, thanks to the continuous support of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the joint efforts of the country's sports organizations, Azerbaijan has become a strong player in the world of judo. The article further mentions the gold medals won by Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as the pinnacle of these achievements.

The Azerbaijan Judo Federation is eagerly looking forward to welcoming athletes, officials, and judo enthusiasts to the World Championships, with world-class infrastructure, deep sporting traditions, and passionate fans.

The International Medical Seminar of the European Judo Union’s Medical Commission will be held in Baku on October 18-19. Organized in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, the seminar aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences among medical staff working in the sports field and to provide access to the latest information.

Experts from various countries will share research findings on providing medical support to judokas. The seminar will discuss innovations in the field, various rehabilitation methods, and the treatment of sports injuries. The event will offer participants a unique opportunity to learn about the latest global trends in sports health and medical support.

"The hosting of the International Medical Seminar in Azerbaijan will positively impact the development and expansion of judo in our country. As the national team’s doctor, I believe this seminar will contribute to the enhancement of medical knowledge within our community.

Experts from around the world sharing their expertise and research in medical support for judo athletes will further strengthen our ability to provide high-quality services to our athletes," said Ramil Valiyev, head doctor of the national judo teams.

President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, Rashad Nabiyev, and Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Power, Ilham Ismayilov, inspected the "Gadiroglu Judo Club" located in Mingachevir.

The club's director, Ayaz Umudaliyev, provided information that the judo training center, which has been renovated to a high standard, covers a total area of 500 m².

The physical training hall is equipped with essential training equipment. The club also offers a waiting area for parents and provides other necessary facilities for athletes.

The training center can accommodate 100 young and teenage judo athletes throughout the day.

Azerbaijan’s junior national judo team concluded the World Championship held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, with three medals. Our athletes, Kenan Nasibov (+100 kg) won silver, while Suleyman Shukurov (-81 kg) and Ajdar Baghirov (-100 kg) each claimed bronze. With this result, Azerbaijan ranked 4th among 67 countries in the men's standings.

Additionally, our representatives Nizami Imranov (-60 kg) and Aydan Valiyeva (-52 kg) finished 5th, while Fidan Alizade (-57 kg), Mammad Musayev (-66 kg), and Aslan Kotsoyev (-90 kg) secured 7th place.

The medals earned in the heavyweight categories are particularly gratifying. Ajdar Baghirov brought home a world championship medal in the -100 kg category, seven years after Olympic champion Zelim Kotsoyev achieved the same feat. Kenan Nasibov’s accomplishment is historic, as no Azerbaijani judoka had previously medaled in this weight class at a similar competition.

We congratulate our judokas and wish them continued success!

Azizjon Kamilov, President of the Judo Federation of Uzbekistan, visited the training center for national judo teams on 16 September.

Vice President of Azerbaijan Judo Federation Elnur Mammadli and Executive Vice President Rashad Rasullu informed the guest about modern conditions created for athletes at the training center, as well as the work and projects carried out by the Federation to develop judo sport in our country.

During the meeting, they discussed mutual exchange of experience, organization of joint training camps and opportunities for cooperation to strengthen the development of judo in both countries. The exchange of experience in modern coaching methods and athlete development programs were also highlighted as the main areas of cooperation.

It should be noted that according to the Memorandum of Cooperation between Azerbaijan Judo Federation and Uzbekistan Judo Federation, signed in October 2022, five mutual joint training camps have been organized so far, as well as participation of athletes in international competitions held in both countries has been ensured. In addition, there is an active exchange of mutual experience between the Federations.

Given the fact that the World Championship will be held in far away America and the venue is well above sea level, the delegation was sent to Lima eight days early in order to adapt to the environment.

Four members of the national team, consisting of only boys, participated in the World Championship with a team of seven people, eventually managed to make it to the podium.

Among them, having defeated all his opponents, Nihad Mamishov (55kg) and Jasur Ibadli (73kg) won gold medals, while Mahammadali Husiyev (50kg) and Mehdi Abbasov (81kg) won bronze medals. At the same time, Azerbaijan took the 2nd place among 48 countries in the team scoring, losing only to Japan, while in the men’s ranking it took the 1st place ahead of all countries, including Japan.

Nihad Mamishov, one of our champions, became world champion for the second time. Another remarkable thing about our 17-year-old athlete, who won all his five matches during the championships by ippon, was that he won all his victories on the ne-wasa position. Mamishov’s high performance in the Peruvian capital did not escape the attention of the International Judo Federation (IJF). Thus, a post on IJF’s official social media page with the headline “ne-waza-baijan” was met with interest.

In particular, our other champion, Jasur Ibadli, fought with great tenacity and determination, and  made history as the first world junior champion of Azerbaijan in the 73kg weight category. 

As for our other medalists, Mahamadali Husiyev won the bronze medal of the World Championship when he was only 15 years old.

In June this year, he finished third on the podium at the European Championships organized in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

The bronze medal of Mehdi Abbasov, who has won high places in several European Cup tournaments, is also a first. Thus, he became the first Azerbaijani teenager to win the World Championship award in the 81kg weight category.

We congratulate our athletes and wish them new victories!

On 31 August, a meeting was held between the Executive Committee of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF) with coach-instructors. The meeting was attended by AJF President Rashad Nabiyev, members of the Executive Committee and coach-instructors from different regions of the country. During the meeting, views were exchanged on the development and popularization of judo sport in the country, proposals and recommendations of the participants were heard.

In his speech, AJF President Rashad Nabiyev emphasized that coaches play an important role in the development of judo in Azerbaijan and in the successes achieved at international level. It was noted that in accordance with the sports policy of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, the main goal of the Federation is not only to win medals, but also support the growth of future generations as healthy and worthy citizens. The AJF President stressed the great responsibility of coaches in this mission and said: “Our coaches should contribute to the education of citizens responsible for our country. A good coach completes the work of parents, contributes to the healthy growth of our children and good parenting.” 

It was stated that one of the main objectives is to attract girls to judo. The ongoing efforts in this direction are already yielding results and the activities in this direction will be continued.

As a result of discussions held during the meeting, it was noted that the AJF will constantly organize educational events for the professional development of coaches. In addition, the Federation will support the improvement of the material and technical base of judo halls. In order to further popularize judo throughout the country, activities will be carried out in the direction of increasing the number of clubs and opening new judo halls in regions where there are no judo divisions.

Besides, in order to ensure quality judo training and maintain the professional standards in judo coaching, it was emphasized that a process of certification and licensing of coaches will be implemented from 2025, and a unified teaching methodology designed for different age categories will be developed. 

The proposals put forward during the meeting will be added to the Federation’s work program after appropriate analysis by the Federation Secretariat and will be implemented as planned.

As a result, it was decided to hold such meetings with coach-instructors on a regular basis.

On August 30, a new Judo Training Center was opened in Gusar at the initiative of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF).

The opening ceremony was attended by Olympic champions Nazim Huseynov, Elnur Mammadli, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoyev, head of the Executive Power of  Gusar region Sahir Mammadkhanov, AJF Executive Vice President Rashad Rasullu, representatives of the Federation and other officials. They got acquainted with the conditions created in the Center.

The Center covers an area of  520 sq.m. and includes judo and physical training halls with an area of  250 sq.m. The main hall is equipped with tatami mats from German company Zebra, the official supplier of the International Judo Federation. The physical training hall is also equipped with all the necessary equipment.

The building also has a waiting room, gym hall and changing rooms. In addition, extensive landscaping work was carried out around the Center.

One of the main directions of the work of Azerbaijan Judo Federation is the development of judo in regions and improvement of infrastructure. In 2022–2024, the AJF opened judo halls in Ganja, Aghstafa, Zagatala, Goranboy, Aghali village of Zangilan region, Sabirabad, Zira settlement of Baku city and Sumgait.

Rashad Rasullu noted that improvement of material and technical base in regions and general development of judo in the country are very important for AJF.

“This is the main area of   our activity. Starting from 2022, the Federation provided about 6,500 tatami  mats to 90 gyms in Baku and  regions, and 1,300 young athletes were given the opportunity to train for free. Judo halls will also be opened in other regions in the near future. Work in this direction is carried out on the basis of the program adopted by the Federation. Special attention was paid to regions with great potential, but which do not yet have judo divisions.  New halls are planned to be built in Jalilabad, Shabran, Imishli and other regions in the near future.”

Azerbaijani judokas won one gold and one bronze medal on the third day of the World Junior Judo Championship held in Lima, the capital of Peru on 30 August.

Among the boys, Jasur Ibadli, competing in the 73kg weight category, defeated all his rivals and reached the final. In the final, Ibadli’s first attack was tsuri-goshi and with this attack he earned a waza-ari point. Ibadli continued his attacks, earned the second point with a great ko-soto-gake technique and eventually won the gold medal.

In the 81kg weight category, Mehdi Abbasov faced Kenzo Cremers  from Belgium for the bronze medal. Abbasov got advantage thanks to his nage-waza skills, defeated Cremers by ippon in the third minute of the match and won the bronze medal.

Azerbaijani judokas won one gold and one bronze medal on the first day of the World Junior Judo Championship held in Lima, the capital of Peru, on 28 August.

Competing in the 50kg weight category, Mahammadali Husiyev fought hard and won the bronze medal. Having defeated all his rivals, Nihad Mamishov, competing in the 55kg weight category, won the title of world champion for the second time. He proved once again that he deserved the title with his excellent performance throughout the day, especially in the final, defeating Batbileg of Mongolia by ippon. Mamishov’s success lifted Azerbaijan to second place in the medal table.

The Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF) was granted the status of a regional center of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Academy on August 16. The event held on this occasion was attended by Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov, IJF Academy Chairman Envic Galea, Executive Vice President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation Rashad Rasullu, Olympic champions Zelim Kotsoyev and Hidayat Heydarov, representatives of the National Olympic Committee, experts and other officials.

In his speech, AJF Executive Vice President Rashad Rasullu expressed great satisfaction with the status of regional center given to the Azerbaijan Judo Federation by the International Judo Federation: “Our cooperation with the IJF Academy has been strong and mutually beneficial from the very beginning. To date, 130 judo coaches have successfully completed the Academy’s program. Education has always been a key part of our Federation’s mission and we will continue to do so. Our selection as a regional center of the International Judo Federation Academy confirms that the Azerbaijan Judo Federation plays a leading role in the development of the sport of judo in the region. This success will allow us to provide our country’s athletes and coaches with the highest level of training opportunities at international level.” At the end of his speech, he expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the International Judo Federation for the support provided to the development of judo in Azerbaijan.

IJF Academy Chairman Envic Galea praised the Federation’s achievements and said: “I congratulate the Azerbaijan Judo Federation on the two gold medals won at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Our continued cooperation with the Federation has been very successful. IJF President Marius Wieser  is pleased to grant regional status to the Azerbaijan Judo Federation. Currently, only two other federations – Türkiye and Georgia – have this prestigious status. These achievements were made possible thanks to the support of the state, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee and the work of a strong team”. Envic  Galea also informed the participants of the event that Olympic medalist Rustam Orujov was accepted into the IJF Academy as an expert.

Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov congratulated the Federation on the occasion of high achievements at the Olympic Games. He emphasized that the support of President Ilham Aliyev played an important role in the development of judo in Azerbaijan. He highlighted the importance of the Academy and said it was important that judo coaches were recognized as professional specialists.

The event ended with the awarding of certificates of participation to another 50 coaches who had been trained at the IJF Academy. To date, 187 coaches have participated in the Academy’s educational programs, 130 of whom have already received coaching diplomas.

Gold medalists of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev visited the Alley of Honor and Alley of Martyrs on August 5. The champions noted that the Azerbaijani flag hoisted in international arenas is powerful thanks to Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, martyrs, and veterans. The medalists owed it to themselves to visit the Great Leader and the martyrs and bow before their souls.

Hidayat and Zelim laid flowers at the tomb of Great leader Heydar Aliyev and honored his memory. During the visit, they also honored the memory of Great Leader’s spouse, outstanding ophthalmologist-scientist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva and laid flowers at her tomb. 

Then the champions went to the Alley of Martyrs, honored the memory of the sons of the Motherland who gave their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and laid flowers on their graves.

We did that too! Azerbaijan’s national judo team won a gold medal for the second time, winning a historic victory at the Olympic Games!

Following Hidayat Heydarov (73kg), Zelim Kotsoyev (100kg) became the winner of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Zelim Kotsoyev, who became European champion in Montpellier in France in November last year and World champion in May this year in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, was one of the main contenders to win the Olympic Games. Zelim, who tops the world rankings, showed great perseverance throughout the competition and the determination that characterizes a true top athlete in the end yielded a satisfactory outcome.

We would like to emphasize that during the competition, our athlete defeated all three other judokas on the podium.

After Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoyev became the second Azerbaijani judoka to win European, World and Olympic titles.

It should be noted that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva once again congratulated our athlete on the championship.

We, as the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, congratulate Zelim Kotsoyev and all our people on the brilliant victory!

Hidayat Heydarov (73kg), who became European champion for the fourth time in his career in Zagreb in April this year and world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi in May this year, fought to the end to win at the Summer Olympic Games being held in Paris, the capital of France.

Thus, 16 years after Elnur Mammadli’s championship in Beijing 2008, Azerbaijan won another Olympic gold medal in judo. Thanks to this achievement, Hidayat went down in the history of Azerbaijan as the first athlete to win three major tournaments in one year and became the first Azerbaijani to win all three titles in his judo career.

Hidayat Heydarov, who has shown very high results in the competitions he has participated in since September 2023, went to Paris as the leader of the world ranking.

Our judoka fought with great persistence throughout the competition. He left no chances for his opponents. As stated in an article prepared by the International Judo Federation about Hidayat’s performance, he is strong enough, has sufficient technique and can find the resources to achieve his desire even when he suffers, as he did the other day.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva also congratulated Hidayat Heydarov on this victory.

We congratulate Hidayat Heydarov and all our people on this victory!