The President of the European Judo Union, Dr TOTH Laszlo, visited Atilla Judo Club in Baku, Azerbaijan. His visit was in honour of an event dedicated to celebrating the club’s achievements over the past year.
During the ceremony, the chairman of Atilla JC, Asif ASKEROV, reflected on a highly successful year for both Azerbaijan and the club itself. He highlighted the exceptional performances of Atilla’s athletes on the international stage and celebrated Elmar GASIMOV’s triumphant return to competitive judo, marked by his victory at the national championship. Askerov also proudly spoke about the historic success at the Olympics, where Hidayat HEYDAROV and Zelim KOTSOYEV secured a gold medal each. Askerov further emphasised the club’s proud 30-year history:
Many events have happened over these years. There were difficulties but we overcame them all. And the real asset of the club are the coaches and athletes. We are always happy about their successes.
The chairman went onto personally congratulate standout judoka, including Vusal GALANDARZADE, who won the junior European Championship, and Nizami IMRANOV, who secured a silver medal at the same event. Other celebrated athletes included Rashil MAMEDALIYEV, who claimed second place at the Grand Slam in Antalya and the Grand Prix in Austria, as well as Vugar BUDAGOV, the European champion among veterans.
The event was graced by many alumni of the Atilla club, including renowned athletes like Orkhan SAFAROV and Elmar GASIMOV. Several esteemed coaches were also present, such as Agayar AKHUNDZADE, Hajiaga HAJIAKHMEDOV, Ibadulla SHABANOV, Farhad MAMEDOV, Rashad MAMEDOV and Ali DAVRISHOV, all of whom have contributed significantly to Azerbaijan’s national judo team over the years.
In his address, Dr Toth expressed his gratitude to Mr Askerov for the warm invitation and praised the enduring legacy of the Atilla club.
Judo is more than just a sport. It is a family and I feel like I am in a family, surrounded by close people.
In his closing words, Dr Toth extended his best wishes for the club’s continued success in the upcoming year. The Atilla club has been home to some of Azerbaijan’s greatest judo champions, including Rustam ORUJOV, Elmar GASIMOV, Orkhan SAFAROV, Elchin ISMAYILOV, Kifayat GASIMOVA, Ramila YUSUBOVA, Rasul SALIMOV, Vusal GALANDARZADE, Nizami IMRANOV, Turan BAYRAMOV and Khadizha GADASHOVA. Their accomplishments have cemented the club’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of judo.
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was filled with pride and optimism for the future. The legacy of Atilla remains strong, and with continued dedication and passion, the club is set to achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.
Author: Szandra Szogedi