As a logical consequence, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation has just been honoured as the Sports Federation of the Year for 2024 in Azerbaijan. This recognition follows a survey conducted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan to identify the best athletes, coaches and representatives of the sports community.
Azerbaijani judo excelled in eight categories. The federation's year-long dedication and success in the field of judo culminated in being awarded the prestigious title of Federation of the Year.
Rashad Rasullu, the Executive Vice President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, commented on the awards, “We are proud to have been chosen as the best sports federation of the year. We would like to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports for presenting us with this award and the entire sports community for their unwavering support. This success belongs to all of us, to our athletes, employees, fans, partners, coaches, medical staff and media representatives; in short, everyone who contributed to this achievement.”
Categories where the Azerbaijan Judo Federation excelled:
- Best Male Athlete of the Year: Hidayat Heydarov, gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, world and European champion.
- Second place, Best Male Athlete of the Year: Zelim Kotsoiev, gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and world champion.
- Best Male Coach of 2024: Richard Trautman.
- Second place, Men’s National Team of the Year: The national judo team.
- Sports Video of the Year: The video created as part of the ‘This is the Right Way’ project.
- Third place, Medical Personnel of the Year: Ramil Valiyev, head doctor of the national judo team.
- Third place, Sports Event of the Year: The Baku Grand Slam tournament.
For many years, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation has invested heavily in the development of judo, both in its sporting and educational dimensions. This well-deserved award crowns an exceptional year and heralds new achievements for the seasons to come. Congratulations!
