16 may, 2022

An article about Said Mollayi was published on the website of the European Judo Union

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A new judo hall has opened in Bilajari

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.

06 November, 2024
A Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Judo Coaching in Azerbaijan was signed

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.

24 October, 2024
An International Medical Seminar on Sports is being held in Baku

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.

18 October, 2024
He managed to make his name known to the whole world. In an article published on the website of the European Judo Union, Saeed's inclusion in the Azerbaijan national team in the -81kg weight category was evaluated as a promising step for both sides. According to Saeed, he is happy to participate in the Paris-2024 Olympic Games under the flag of Azerbaijan and is confident that he will achieve a high result. : "My family is originally Azerbaijani, I know our culture and language well. I believe that my result at the Paris Olympics will be even higher than my success in Tokyo." Said, who has participated in training camps in Germany many times, said that he knows the head coach of the Azerbaijan senior national team, Richard Trautman, as an experienced specialist. According to him, under the supervision of a professional coach like Richard Trautman, he will achieve high achievements. The European Judo Union notes that Said Mollayi has repeatedly proven how much he is committed to judo. One of the most important values of judo, he is instilled in the sense of courage and demonstrated that he is good at moving towards the goal by overcoming all obstacles: "I had a very difficult life, but now I am happy that I am a free person. I have always shown the world that brave people always win." We wish success to our athlete!
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A new judo hall has opened in Bilajari

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.

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...
Other
A Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Judo Coaching in Azerbaijan was signed

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.

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...
International tournaments
An International Medical Seminar on Sports is being held in Baku

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.

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International tournaments
In 2026, Azerbaijan will host the Judo World Championships

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.

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International tournaments
Azerbaijan national judo team achieved one of most successful results in World Junior Championships history

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!


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Executive Committee of Azerbaijan Judo Federation held meeting with coach-instructors

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.


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Four Olympic champions at opening of new judo center in Gusar

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.”


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Azerbaijan Judo Federation granted regional educational center status

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.


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Experts of the International Judo Federation (BCF) Academy are in Azerbaijan for training
The Azerbaijan Judo Federation (ACF) is taking a number of measures in order to achieve the development of judo in the country and to increase the level of professionalism of the coaching staff. Thus, within the framework of the close and mutual cooperation established with the BCF, on March 7, 2022, training for the coaches of Azerbaijan's judo sport began at the Academy of the BCF. The training process consists of theoretical and practical parts. On May 9, the practical phase of the training began with the participation of BCF Academy experts Mesut Kapan and Kaya Gezeker. It should be noted that Mesut Kapan has a 6th degree black belt and is an accredited trainer of the BCF Academy. Kaya Gezeker, who holds a black belt from the 4th, is the Ambassador of the BCF Academy, the regional coordinator, and at the same time, the director of the Military and Police Commission of the BCF. During the two-day practical training, lessons on the performance of 100 basic kata are held. It should be noted that kata in judo is a complex of technical movements and there is a strict order and sequence of its execution. The quality performance of this complex of movements determines the mastery level of a judoka. Studying kata is important in terms of mastering the main philosophical principles of judo and the correct execution of tricks. In addition to the coaches of the national teams of Azerbaijan for all age groups, more than 40 coaches from various clubs, societies and sports organizations representing different regions and cities of the country participated in the practical training. stage and will be awarded with the relevant BCF international certificate upon successful completion of the training. It should also be noted that according to the decision of the BCF, starting from 2023, coaches who do not have the appropriate BCF certificate will not be allowed to accompany athletes on the mat in international competitions organized by the BCF and the European Judo Union. is planned to continue.
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