Trautman: Hidayat Heydarov to choose his weight category

Richard Trautman, head coach of Azerbaijan’s men’s national judo team, said Hidayat Heydarov would decide which weight category he competes in.

Speaking at a news conference reviewing the Baku 2026 World Championships, Trautman said Heydarov had faced some difficulties with his weight but was a great champion. The coach said the judoka could compete at either 73 or 81 kilograms.

“The decision is not ours; Hidayat will make it himself. If he wants to repeat his Olympic result, he can compete in either weight category. We will support him in any case and stand by his choice,” Trautman said.

The World Judo Championships were held in Baku from Oct. 4 to 11. Azerbaijan’s team finished the tournament with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals. Ahmad Yusifov became world champion in the 60-kilogram category, while Zelim Tchkayev and Ushangi Kokauri won silver. Rashid Mammadaliyev, Omar Rajabli, Murad Fatıyev and Kenan Nasibov took bronze.

Context

On Oct. 8, it was reported that Azerbaijani judokas had set a national record for the number of medals won at a single senior World Championships. At that point, the team had one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.