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Laman Ismayilova

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Azerbaijani judokas have showcased their skills at the European Cup 2024 to be Slovenia, on June 15-16, Azernews reports.

The national team includes 14 judokas, including Rovshan Aliyev, Kanan Huseynov, Kanan Ismayilov (all 60 kg), Nazir Talibov, Rashad Yelkiyev (66 kg), Ibrahim Aliyev, Nariman Mirzayev, Rufat Shevlatov, Kamran Suleymanov (all 73 kg), Maharram Imamverdiyev (81 kg), Ibrahim Agakishiyev (90 kg), Ruslan Nasirli (100 kg), Jamal Feyziyev, Imran Yusifov (both +100 kg).

The competition will bring together 356 judokas from 31 countries.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country's modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics gave fresh impetus to judo in Azerbaijan.

The list of the country's top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, İrina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayet Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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