Afaq Sultanova in medal-winning form as she prepares for IBSA Judo Grand Prix
Paralympic champion Afaq Sultanova is aiming to repeat her gold medal performance at the 2017 Baku Islamic Solidarity Games with victory at the IBSA Judo Grand Prix.
Sultanova is one of Azerbaijan’s top medal hopes at the tournament due to take place in Baku in May. The 32-year-old judoka, who brought home a gold medal from the 2012 London Paralympic Games, said she is mentally and physically ready for the challenge.
“I will be competing against champions from all over the world and I never underestimate my opponents. But I am prepared to win a gold medal at the Grand Prix,” she said.
“My toughest match so far was the final of the Islamic Games, when my opponent was another member of the Azerbaijani team. I had just married and I wasn’t comfortable with some of my preparation. But I won the match.”
The mother of two said the most disappointing time in her career was 2016, when a knee injury prevented her qualifying for the Rio Paralympic Games.
But now Sultanova says she’s on top form and determined to repay the support she has received from family, coaches and team members: “The people around me always push me. My family, especially my father and husband, are always by my side. That support is so important to me. And now I have children, I am more determined than ever to win for them.”
The IBSA (International Blind Sports Association) Judo Grand Prix is for athletes with sight impairments. Over 240 athletes from 36 countries will compete over two days, 13 and 14 May, at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev Sports Complex. Azerbaijan will be represented by 13 male and 10 female athletes. Entry to the Grand Prix is free.
Afaq Sultanova: I am more determined than ever to win for my children