International Judo Federation highlights Ilham Zakiyev's 10th European triumph

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has highlighted Azerbaijani para judoka Ilham Zakiyev's historic achievement as one of the key symbolic moments of the European Para Judo Championships held in Heidelberg, Germany.

According to the National Paralympic Committee, the IJF published an article reviewing the results of the tournament.

The article noted that one of the most memorable moments of the second day of the championships was Zakiyev once again standing at the top of the podium at a major international tournament.

The Azerbaijani para judo legend won the European title in the J1 category in the over-95 kg weight class. By defeating Spain's Rodrigo Suarez Garrosa in the final, Zakiyev secured his 10th continental championship title.

The IJF also highlighted Zakiyev's long and successful career. It noted that he first became a Paralympic champion at the 2004 Athens Games and successfully defended his title four years later in Beijing. He subsequently won three bronze medals at the London, Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games and is also a three-time world champion.

The article emphasized that Zakiyev has competed among the world's strongest para judokas for more than 20 years. It particularly highlighted that 22 years after his first Paralympic title, he continues to compete, win and claim European championship titles.

According to the IJF, several generations of para judokas came together at the competition, including experienced athletes with careers spanning more than two decades, established champions at the peak of their careers and young competitors seeking to become key figures in the next Paralympic cycle.

Zakiyev thus achieved another historic milestone at the European Championships by becoming a continental champion for the 10th time.