Report.az
The reason for the absence of Azerbaijani judoka Eljan Hajiyev (90 kg) from the first two "Grand Slam" tournaments of 2026 has been determined.
This was reported by the Azerbaijan Judo Federation in response to a request from "Report".
The 23-year-old athlete underwent surgery in early February and is currently undergoing a recovery process. His return to the tatami will depend on the doctors' decision.
E. Hajiyev did not participate in the "Grand Slam" held in Paris, the capital of France, in early February. He will also not compete in the competition to be held in Uzbekistan at the end of this month.
In addition, Ushangi Kokauri (+100 kg) and Zelim Tchkayev (81 kg) will also not participate in the tournament to be held from February 27 to March 1.
Kokauri was not included in the "Grand Slam" squad because he will compete in the Grand Prix to be held in Linz, Austria, on March 6-8.
Tchkayev (81 kg) has a very good point situation and is at the top of the ranking. The judoka is currently focused on the European Championship. He won a silver medal at the international tournament in Belgium and the "Grand Slam" in Paris.
It should be reminded that Eljan Hajiyev won a gold medal at the European Championship in 2024. In 2025, he won a bronze medal at the World Championship.
