Q&A with Paralympic Committee president Ilqar Rahimov: Why social inclusion is our ultimate goal
The IBSA (International Blind Sports Association) Judo Grand Prix takes place in Baku for the first time in May, with 242 athletes from 36 countries competing over two days. The event is being hosted by the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan.
Leyla Behbudlu spoke to Paralympic Committee president Ilgar Rahimov about the Grand Prix preparations and his mission to make Azerbaijan a more inclusive society.
Leyla Behbudlu: What are your expectations of the Grand Prix?
Ilgar Rahimov: This competition is very important for us. It is the first time we have organised such a large-scale, prestigious competition in Azerbaijan, with more than 400 people coming from 36 countries.
There are three important reasons why the Grand Prix is so special. First, as I said, it’s a first for Azerbaijan. Second, it is a qualifying competition for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The third reason is that an international medical classification will be held during the competition. Medical classifiers from six countries will be based at the Zarifa Aliyeva Clinic. Athletes with disabilities will be assessed in order to gain a classification – a legal license for athletes with impairments – allowing them to compete in future tournaments.
Will volunteers play a part in the Grand Prix?
IR: Of course. We have made a special effort to attract people with impairments to attend the competition, both as volunteers and spectators. We do not only want to see them in the tatami, but everywhere associated with the event. People with disabilities will feature in a flashmob and we are organising a craft fair, featuring handiwork made by people with disabilities.
Our aim is to celebrate not only the sporting achievements of people with disabilities, but their integration into society. We want to make the Judo Grand Prix their festival. It is no coincidence that the slogan for the Grand Prix is Triumph of Spirit.
You have been president since 1996. What changes have you seen?
IR: When we established this committee 23 years ago there were no professional disabled athletes in our country. At the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, we went with just two athletes, who competed as guests. Now Azerbaijan can boast seven world champion Paralympic athletes. We are proud of them.
Today we have athletes active in 14 summer Paralympic sports in Azerbaijan, and since last year we have added three winter sports. I think that’s a great achievement. Our disabled athletes have become influential people, invited to appear at state events.
But the most important change is that people with disabilities are becoming more integrated into society. Any child may be born with a physical limitation, but that no longer means they have to live as victims of stereotypes. This has been our great success as a committee.
One of the ways we managed this was to create the Children’s Paralympic Movement in 2013. It was the first in the world. We have also worked hard to prove to parents that a child with disabilities can still fully engage with sport. When we see a parent sitting in the stands, proudly watching their child compete, we know we have achieved something remarkable.
What are your future plans for the National Paralympic Committee?
IR: We would like to see disabled athletes competing in an increasing number of sports. Especially, we would like to see more involvement in team sports like volleyball and football. We are making progress and already have a volleyball and boccia team playing at an advanced level. The Azerbaijan boccia team could even win a place at the Tokyo Olympic games.
Our other ambition is to host the International Children’s Paralympic Championship, to see young Azerbaijani athletes gaining the recognition they deserve alongside our champion Paralympians.
The IBSA Judo Grand Prix takes place on 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 competition is free.