A Year of Victories for Azerbaijani Judo
The past year has been a triumphant one for Azerbaijani judo. The Olympic victories of Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev, following their success at the World Championships, have propelled the team into the global spotlight, elevating them to a new level. One of the architects behind this success is the head coach of the national team, Richard Trautmann. The German specialist, who also serves as the Director of Performance at the National Judo Federation, shared insights on the team's strategic preparation for the new Olympic cycle and discussed other relevant topics.
- Recently, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports' gala event, you were named "Coach of the Year" in Azerbaijan. What does this award mean to you, considering the remarkable season Azerbaijani judo had last year?
- It was my first time attending such an event in Baku, and it was truly a pleasant experience. I have participated in similar gala nights in other countries before, so it was particularly interesting to see how the ceremony was organized here. The Azerbaijan Judo Federation has achieved tremendous success, and it is a great honor for me that my work has also been recognized. It was also gratifying to see that Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev—our judo stars—were named the best athletes of the year. The evening was very memorable, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the organizers, and everyone who supported me.
- What are your expectations for the new year? What are the short-term and long-term goals?
- We have an excellent team, which includes two Olympic champions. Additionally, we have a group of talented and promising athletes who are on the brink of success—they just need to take a few more steps forward. And, of course, we are proud of our youth generation—a group with enormous potential, ready to grow, improve, and reach new heights. Our main goal is, of course, a successful performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. However, another crucial milestone along the way will be the 2026 World Championships, which will be held on home soil in Azerbaijan. Success at this tournament can play a significant role in achieving our ultimate objective. We will do everything possible to ensure consistent results, both at the World Championships and in other major tournaments. At the same time, it is essential to remember that success is not just about winning medals. We place great emphasis on maintaining and strengthening our athletes' health, as well as preparing the next generation of judokas who will be the foundation of future victories.
- Healthy and competition-ready athletes are every coach's dream. How is the recovery process for those who were injured last year? Are there any new injuries in the team?
- Injuries are always present, and we have already discussed this issue with the team doctors and medical specialists in the clubs. Athletes are always willing to fight, even when dealing with minor injuries. However, they sometimes fail to realize that such an approach can worsen their condition. Finding the right balance is crucial. That is why, after the Olympics, I insisted that all athletes prioritize their health. Eljan Hajiyev, Yashar Najafov, and Gultaj Mammadaliyeva have undergone surgeries and are now in the recovery phase. They have already returned to training, although not yet at full capacity. Nevertheless, their progress is evident, and they are steadily regaining their optimal form. Some of our athletes, such as Turan Bayramov and Vugar Talibov, have temporarily put their sports careers on hold due to mandatory military service. Turan Bayramov resumed training only a month ago, and Vugar Talibov will soon rejoin as well. Other athletes are facing minor issues, such as Zelim Tskaev, who is undergoing treatment for a small injury.
At the beginning of the year, we have tournaments scheduled in Baku, Paris, and Tashkent. These competitions will feature what I would call an "experimental squad", selected based on the athletes’ readiness. The primary focus will be on testing our young, ambitious, and talented judokas.
- Heydarov and Kotsoyev were the main stars of last season. Since it’s a post-Olympic year, they are expected to compete less frequently. What does their competition schedule look like?
- Hidayat and Zelim are already fully engaged in training. We are preparing them for key tournaments, and they are set to participate in four to five competitions throughout the year. The main emphasis will be on their performance at the World and European Championships, the Islamic Solidarity Games, and possibly the Tokyo Grand Slam. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the schedule of the Islamic Solidarity Games, as they are currently planned for August, but there is a possibility of them being postponed to November. This creates a calendar conflict with the prestigious Tokyo Grand Slam, which is also a priority event for us.
- At the end of last year, the International Judo Federation (IJF) introduced new rule changes, which will be tested this season. What is your opinion on these changes, and how might they impact the sport in the future?
- Whether the rules change or not, judo always delivers drama. We all have our expectations, but some of the changes are definitely positive. One key improvement is the removal of the hansoku-make penalty for "diving". This is a major step forward, especially considering the 2023 World Championships in Doha, where three of our athletes lost matches because they touched the tatami with their heads during throws. These situations will no longer cost athletes their victories, making the rules more fair. The return of the "yuko" score is also a good change. It will diversify match strategies, allowing athletes to use a wider range of techniques. As for golden score, endurance will play an even bigger role—some judokas thrive in overtime, like Heydarov, while others, like Bayramov, who focuses on quick victories, will find it more challenging. These new rules are still in the testing phase and will be reviewed until June 2025, up to the World Championships in Budapest. The IJF will then decide whether to fully implement them. We will closely monitor how the rules are interpreted in competitions so that we can adjust our athletes’ tactical preparation accordingly.
- How will the preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics be structured, considering the full four-year cycle?
- The first two years will be focused on adaptation, followed by Olympic qualification. This period before official qualification begins is a valuable opportunity to work on new rules, tactics, and technical refinements. By 2026, we aim to have as many Azerbaijani judokas as possible ranked in the top eight across different weight categories. We are also focused on developing our younger generation, ensuring they gain experience in major tournaments while refining their strategies and consistency. Another key goal is the development of our coaching staff. I have retained my position as the head coach of the men’s national team, but I am now also the Director of Performance. This expanded role requires significant attention and effort, covering a broad range of tasks related to athlete and team development.
- The "Baku Grand Slam" is coming up in February. How is the team preparing?
- The first tournaments in the post-Olympic year have a unique character, as not all athletes are in peak condition. We are still finalizing the team roster, with some judokas still recovering from injuries. However, we have strong contenders, such as Murad Fatiyev (90kg), the defending champion of the event. Additionally, young talents like Huseyn Allahyarov (60kg) are showing great promise. After winning the U-23 European Championship, he went on to claim the national title. His Grand Slam debut promises to be exciting, and we are eager to see how he performs.
