Azerbaijan recently hosted a significant seminar aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of national judo coaches. The seminar, led by International Judo Federation Academy experts Mesut Kapan and Kaya Gezeker, in collaboration with Mehmet Yılmaz, Education Director of the Turkish Judo Federation, focused on advancing coaching techniques and preparing coaches for rigorous IJF Academy practical exams.
The seminar’s first phase concentrated on equipping coaches with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in the practical assessments. The experts provided invaluable insights into effective coaching strategies and techniques, offering tailored guidance to help refine the coaches’ methods and improve their overall technical proficiency.
In the second phase, the seminar transitioned to an evaluation process, where coaches underwent examinations to earn Dan grades, an internationally recognized certification system in judo. This stage was designed to assess the coaches’ abilities and facilitate their professional development. Over 20 national coaches participated in the event, gaining hands-on experience and feedback that aligned with global judo standards.
The initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on Azerbaijan’s judo community, elevating coaching standards, aligning them with international expectations, and motivating coaches to continue improving their professional capabilities.
Azerbaijan national team
RENOWNED JUDO CHAMPIONS
The Azerbaijan Judo Federation, established in 1972, has played a crucial role in promoting and developing the sport across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev, under whose leadership Azerbaijan has continued to make significant strides on the global judo stage.
Azerbaijan’s modern judo history is marked by remarkable achievements, starting with Mehman Azizov’s silver medal at the 1998 Old World Championship. The country’s success was further solidified by Rasul Salimov’s bronze at the 1999 European Championship and Elchin Ismayilov’s victory at the 2000 European Championship in Wroclaw. However, perhaps the most notable achievement came in 2008 when Elnur Mammadli won gold in the 73 kg category at the Beijing Olympics, cementing Azerbaijan’s place as a judo powerhouse.
Azerbaijan’s judo scene continues to thrive, producing a new generation of world-class judokas. Known athletes such as Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada represent the nation’s ongoing dominance in the sport.
Azerbaijan’s success was further demonstrated at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, where Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) both secured gold medals, further reinforcing the country’s strong position on the international judo stage.
