Everything you need to know about the IBSA Judo Grand Prix

by Sabina Mammadova

April 28, 2019

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20160910_Rio_+100KG ZAKIYEV(AZE)-GOODRICH(USA)-7935

What is the IBSA Judo Grand Prix?

IBSA is the International Blind Sports Federation. This Grand Prix – the first to be held in Azerbaijan – is for Paralympic sportsmen and women with sight impairments. It is organised in Baku by the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan.

When and where will it take place?

The competition lasts for two days, 13-14 May 2019, at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev Sports and Concert Complex

How many sportsmen and women will participate?

242 sportsmen and women from 36 countries will come to Baku, along with officials, coaches, translators, doctors, masseurs.

Is there a link between the Grand Prix and Tokyo Paralympics?

Definitely! This competition is special because it is part of the licence system for participation at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Athletes who do well here will gain points that influence their ranking and support their qualification for the next Paralympic Games.

Will volunteers be involved in the Grand Prix?

Yes. Special efforts have been made to recruit volunteers with disabilities to support the Grand Prix organisation.

Does Azerbaijan have a chance of winning medals?

You bet. Judo is one of Azerbaijan’s strongest Paralympic sports and the home team is expected to perform strongly at the Grand Prix. The Azerbaijan team consists of 13 men (competing in seven weight categories) and 10 women (competing in six weight categories). These include world champion Afaq Sultanova and legendary Paralympian Ilham Zakiyev. Here’s the full Azerbaijan team line-up …

Men: Murad Aliyev (60 kg), Vugar Shirinli (60 kg), Namig Abbasli (66 kg), Bayram Mustafayev (66 kg), Ramil Gasimov (73 kg), Zamaddin Poladov (73 kg) , Murad Gaziyev (81 kg), Huseyn Rahimli (81 kg), Ramin Aliyev (90 kg), Rovshan Safarov (90 kg), Kanan Abdulakhanli (100 kg), Kamil Aghayev (100 kg) and Ilham Zakiyev (+100 kg) .

Women: Gulnar Gereyeva (48 kg), Shahana Hajiyeva (48 kg), Sabina Abdullayeva (52 kg), Besti Safarova (52 kg), Afag Sultanova (57 kg), Sevda Veliyeva (57 kg) , Khanum Huseynova (63 kg), Zulfiya Huseynova (-70 kg), Khatira Ismiyeva (+70 kg) and Dursedef Karimova (+70 kg).

Does the Azerbaijan team train together?

As well as individual training schedules built up over years, the athletes have put in months of intensive preparation for this competition. In addition, the Azerbaijan team’s men and women attend separate, intensive training camps in the weeks before the competition.