Azerbaijan were hoping to best their record in the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025, though they didn’t manage the goal, they still matched it. With a total of three gold, two silver and three bronze medals, the team finished top of the medal table, a sensational feat. Now that the Cadet World Championships is on our doorstep, we are eager to see how this strong team performs against the rest of the world.
Speaking with Head Coach of the Azerbaijan Cadet Boys, Emin ISKANDAROV, he is certainly positive,
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the European Judo Union for their attention and support. The results achieved by our athletes at the recent European Championships and the European Youth Olympic Festival are satisfactory. However, this is not the end, our work is not yet complete. Our main goal is the World Championships. We are working on correcting the mistakes made during preparations so that they will not be repeated at the World Championships.
Currently, training sessions for the World Championships are in full swing. Our athletes are participating with high morale and showing great determination. Our primary objective is to ensure they strictly follow the rules of discipline. Where there is discipline, there are also results. A disciplined European champion means the further growth and strengthening of the judo family.
We hope that our athletes will achieve great results at the World Championships as well.
The history of Azerbaijan runs deep in this sport, but just over a decade ago, they could boast of both a Cadet European and World Champion at -55kg, Natig GURBANLI. Though he left his competitive days behind, he reflects on his time as a cadet athlete and his accomplishments,
Winning the European and World Championship titles during my cadet years was an invaluable experience for me, both in terms of developing my technical skills and building self-confidence. When transitioning to the senior level, I faced some injuries that affected my ability to continue my career. At the same time, other priorities in my life came to the forefront, and I chose to pursue coaching. Sport will always hold an important place in my life, and that period taught me valuable lessons.
We often hear that judo influences the lives of athletes and those who are close to the sport, and the current competitors certainly take heed of their more senior compatriots and this team in particular is thriving with the talent and experience of the coaching staff and more senior athletes.
Author: Thea Cowen