Report.az
The official website of the European Judo Union (EJU) has published an article about Olympic and world champion Hidayat Heydarov.
According to "Report", the article notes that the 27-year-old tatami master will return to the tatami at the Judo World Championships in Budapest.
In addition, it was noted that 2024 was a landmark year for Heydarov, who won the Olympic champion title in the 73 kg weight category in Paris, also winning gold medals at the world and European championships, thus achieving a unique result in the history of judo.
The EJU then quoted the thoughts of Richard Trautmann, head coach of the Azerbaijani national team:
"Our two Olympic champions had many obligations related to both official events and the federation. They needed rest to take time for themselves. We started preparing again in February. Although we are not 100 percent in shape now, this is not a cause for concern. The most important thing is to be fully prepared when fighting for high-quality medals. I expect a successful performance at the World Championships this year. But as a federation, our next main goal is the World Championships that will be held in Baku next year."
The article reflects that Hidayat wanted to return to the tatami to participate in the European Championship in April, but he fell ill and could not participate in the competition because he did not fully recover. However, he went to Podgorica and accepted the "Male Judoka of the Year" award and supported his teammates.
The international organization also included the thoughts of the Olympic and world champion.
"I just lost weight and came back after 10 months. It is not easy to start training again and get back into shape, but I hope to win in the upcoming competitions. Even if I win all the titles, I want to double them," he said.
Becoming an Olympic champion and becoming the face of judo in the country has changed a lot in Heydarov's life: "A lot has changed, but the most important thing is that I have become a well-known person. I love this moment because I feel that I am a role model for the new generation." When walking on the street or in a restaurant in Azerbaijan, people approach him, ask for autographs and take pictures with him. Heydarov says that he is not bothered by this attention.
Hidayat has already refocused his attention completely on judo. "Judo is not just a sport for me. This is my life path. On this road, there is no looking back - only forward," — it is no coincidence that Heydarov wrote this on his personal "Instagram" account some time ago.
Although it was not easy to return to the daily training regime, his love for judo prevailed: "Judo is more transparent and honest. I love this sport because everyone here is like a family. Everyone respects each other and different cultures".
With the status of world and Olympic champion, Hidayat Heydarov is seriously preparing to return to the tatami at the World Championships in Budapest.
