Azerbaijan Judo Federation holds an Extraordinary Congress

On October 18, 2025, an Extraordinary Congress of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF) was held. The event was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, the Federation’s President Rashad Nabiyev, members of the Executive Committee, and other officials. The Congress began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In his opening remarks, the AJF President expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for his attention and support for Azerbaijani sport and the development of judo. It was emphasized that, thanks to the Head of State’s continued support, Azerbaijan is recognized today as a strong sporting nation worldwide. It was decided to send a letter of thanks to the Head of State on behalf of the Federation within the framework of the Congress.

It was noted that the achievements attained are the result of the joint efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the Federation, sports organizations, coaches, athletes, and all members of the judo family.

In his speech, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov highly appreciated the recent activities of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation. He emphasized the importance of both sporting achievements and the work carried out in the areas of mass participation and education.

At the Congress, the composition of the Executive Committee of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation was determined. Rashad Nabiyev, Rovshan Rustamov, Elnur Mammadli, Rashad Rasullu, Asif Asgarov, Azer Asgarov, Nazim Huseynov, Movlud Miraliyev, and Elkhan Mammadov were elected as committee members. According to the decision of the Congress, Rashad Nabiyev was confirmed as President of the Federation, Rovshan Rustamov and Elnur Mammadli as Vice Presidents, and Rashad Rasullu as Executive Vice President.

A vote was also held to elect the members and the chair of the Supervisory–Audit Committee of the AJF. Natiq Baghirov, Dilara Mammadova, and Orkhan Asadov were confirmed as committee members, and Natiq Baghirov was elected Chair of the Committee.

Afterwards, an expanded meeting of the newly elected Executive Committee was held. Representatives of sports organizations, clubs, and judo coaches took part in the meeting. At the beginning of the session, AJF Executive Vice President Rashad Rasullu presented the activity report covering 2022–2025. This was followed by an exchange of views with coaches on the development and popularization of judo in the regions, and participants’ proposals and recommendations were heard.

At the meeting, AJF President Rashad Nabiyev stated that judo is developing in almost all regions of the country, new clubs are being opened, and renovation work is being carried out in existing halls. It was emphasized that judo makes an important contribution to keeping children and young people away from harmful habits, helping them spend their time productively, and encouraging girls to engage in sports while protecting them from early marriage.

It was underlined that coaches play a decisive role in this process, and it was noted that the Federation’s goal is not only to win medals but also to support the upbringing of healthy and upstanding young people.

It was stated that the AJF will continue to implement training programs for the professional development of coaches. Work will also continue to strengthen the material and technical base of judo halls, to establish new clubs, and to open new judo sections.

The proposals put forward during the meeting will be analyzed by the Federation’s Secretariat and, following the relevant review, will be added to the Federation’s work program and implemented in a planned manner.