Idman.biz
Azerbaijani judokas successfully competed in the "Grand Slam" judo tournament held in Tashkent.
Idman.Biz reports that in the "Grand Slam" tournament held in the capital of Uzbekistan, our team won four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, surpassing even the Japanese in the men's medal standings and taking first place.
The start was particularly strong. The final in the 60 kg weight category was entirely between Azerbaijani judokas: Ahmad Yusifov and Balabay Agayev faced each other in the decisive match, and the gold medal went to Yusifov. Such an internal final at the "Grand Slam" level is an indicator of the system's strength, not a random success.
Then came victories that gave special weight to the result. Omar Rajabli became the winner of the tournament in the 81 kg weight category, demonstrating mature and cool-headed fighting. In the 90 kg category, Murad Fatiyev won perhaps the most prestigious victory of the tournament for Azerbaijan – he defeated two-time Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri in the final. This was not just a won match, but a confirmation of readiness to compete and win against the most titled opponents.
In the over 100 kg heavyweight category, young Kenan Nasibov performed brilliantly and became the champion of the tournament. In the same weight category, Jamal Gamzatkhanov won a bronze medal, contributing to the team's double success. In the 100 kg weight category, Olympic champion Zelim Kotsoiev won another bronze medal. In total, seven medals and leadership in the men's ranking were the result of thoughtful and systematic work.
However, not everything went smoothly. Hidayat Heydarov was not allowed to compete in the 73 kg weight category because he failed to meet the limit at the official weigh-in. The Azerbaijan Judo Federation has applied disciplinary measures to the athlete. This situation looks particularly disturbing against the background of his brilliant victories in 2024. Last season, he won only one tournament, and performed unsuccessfully in other major competitions. If the discipline and weight problem persists, it will be difficult to repeat the successes of 2024, when he became the Olympic and world champion. The world level does not forgive such mistakes.
Nevertheless, Tashkent sent the main message: Azerbaijani judo is not dependent on one name today. Even when Olympic champions are going through a difficult period, new fighters appear on the world tatami and win gold. This is an indicator of a mature school and a well-thought-out strategy. In Tashkent, Azerbaijan not only won medals, but also demonstrated its depth, character, and confidence in the future.
In this regard, Kenan Nasibov is particularly noteworthy. The young heavyweight became the first graduate of the Azerbaijani judo school to win a gold medal at the "Grand Slam" in the over 100 kg weight category. He withstood the pressure from the stands and the opponent's status, defeating the owner of the tatami, Alisher Yusupov, in the final. Nasibov had previously become the European champion among young people and made a name for himself as the winner of the Grand Prix stage. And now he has also made his mark at the world heavyweight level.
It is precisely such stories that shape the resilience of the system. The emergence of a new generation behind the titled leaders, who are not afraid of big names and big arenas, shows that the school is working in the right and promising direction. Tashkent proved that Azerbaijani judo has not only a glorious - however recent - history and famous champions, but also a new generation that can keep the country among the world leaders for many years to come.
