Zahra Guliyeva: 'Final match of European Championships was hardest for me'

The final bout at the European Championships was the most difficult, said Zahra Guliyeva (40 kg), winner of the European Judo Youth Championships in Spain, Report informs.

She said the European Champion title didn't come easy: "I fought to the end and became European Champion. I thank everyone who supported me. The final bout was the hardest for me because the responsibility was so great. But I was able to win.

I faced my semifinal opponent at the previous tournament and lost to her. However, I learned the right lessons from that defeat, so I was able to get revenge at the European Championships."

Zahra Guliyeva noted that she prepared well for the European Championships.

"The coaches prepared me very well for the tournament, and that's why I was able to win the gold medal. My future goal is to win the European Championships, World Championships, and the Olympic Games among adults," the athlete added.

The Azerbaijani team achieved a historic result, winning 10 medals at the European Championships.

Zahra Guliyeva (up to 40 kg) and Nihad Aghayev (up to 50 kg) became European champions. Silver medals were won by Farid Rzazade (up to 50 kg), Sadig Mammadov (up to 73 kg), and Omar Akhundov (up to 90 kg). Bronze medalists included Ibrahim Talibov (up to 55 kg), Konul Eyvazli (up to 48 kg), Ilkin Garayev (up to 66 kg), Aykhan Hasanli, and Yagub Mammadov.