Azerbaijan plans to increase number of female judokas

Rashad Rasulov, executive vice president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, said he was hopeful about the performances of female athletes. Speaking at a news conference dedicated to the results of the Baku 2026 World Judo Championships, he said women judokas were no longer being eliminated in the first round.

Rasulov acknowledged that women’s judo in Azerbaijan lags behind the men’s game. He said the federation understands its responsibility to improve the situation and will do everything it can in that direction.

The federation official said it plans to increase the number of female judokas. He noted that a larger pool of athletes would strengthen domestic competition and improve the chances of success.

The World Judo Championships were held in Baku from October 4 to 11. Azerbaijan’s team won one gold, two silver and four bronze medals, setting a national record for the number of medals won at senior world championships.

Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg) became world champion. Zelim Tchkaev (81 kg) and Ushangi Kokauri (over 100 kg) won silver, while Rashid Mammadaliyev (73 kg), Omar Rajabli (81 kg), Murad Fatayev (90 kg) and Kenan Nasibov (over 100 kg) claimed bronze.