Azerbaijani Judoka Learn Their Opening Opponents at Zagreb Grand Prix

The draw for the Zagreb Judo Grand Prix was held on 12 November in the Croatian capital, determining the opening opponents of the Azerbaijani judoka.

Azerbaijan will be represented by 12 judoka (nine men and three women) across nine weight categories at the tournament, which offers qualification points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. A total of 515 judoka (314 men and 201 women) from 70 countries will compete.

The Zagreb Grand Prix will take place from 13 to 15 November, with all contests broadcast live on the JudoTV platform.

Azerbaijan’s opening match-ups:

Women

-52 kg, Round of 32
Gultaj Mammadaliyeva – Tihea Topolovec (Croatia)

-70 kg, Round of 32
Sudaba Aghayeva – Olha Tsimko (Ukraine)

+78 kg, Round of 32
Madina Kaisinova – Kinga Wolszczak (Poland)

Men

-60 kg, Round of 32
Murad Muradli – Luka Mkheidze (France)

-66 kg, Round of 32
Nizami Imranov – Daiki Bouba (France)
Turan Bayramov – Florian Boecker (Germany)

-73 kg, Round of 64
Nariman Mirzayev – Valtteri Olin (Finland)
Rufat Shovlatov – Luka Katic (Croatia)

-90 kg, Round of 64
Vugar Talibov – Peter Safrany (Hungary)

-100 kg, Round of 32
Ajdar Baghirov – Michael Korrel (Netherlands)

+100 kg, Round of 16
Ushangi Kokauri – winner of Igor Vracar (Serbia) / Moustapha Fofana (Guinea)

Kenan Nasibov – winner of Murtaza Suha (Germany) / Zhantilek Nurtilepuly (Kazakhstan)