Well-known Paralympian judoist, participant of IV Islamic Solidarity Games to be started on May 12-Ilham Zakiev shared his impressions about the upcoming Competition. In his interview to the Federation’s official television – AAAF TV, Zakiev stated that these Games will be remembered as a spectacular sporting event: “Holding these events in Baku is also very good.Muslims of all countries will gather under one flag.The competition will be interesting and there will be intense struggle for medals.
Azerbaijan National team has a big chance to perform successfully in all kinds of sports and to take the 1th place in the overall rankings. I would say to our people, whether they support the athletes. Come to the Arenas, call for success.Tickets are not very expensive, prices are acceptable.Let’s solidarity. Solidarity is our power.”
Zakiev also pointed our weightlifters’ performances: “I highly appreciate the chance of weightlifters. 8 women and 8 men are involved with. The team is strong, confidence is high. We expect at least a couple of gold medals. Hopefully, they will make happy to our people, Mr. President with their victories. Good luck to all of them. ”
Ilham Zakiev is the Azerbaijan Paralympian judoist, two-time champion of Paralympics Games (2004, 2008), two-time World champion (2007, 2010) and six-time European champion (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015), 2015 European Games champion, Azerbaijani Honored Master of Sports, invalid and veteran of the Karabakh war. He was awarded with the “Shohrat” order and “Taraggi” medal. Zakiev was the flag-bearer of Azerbaijan in 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Paralympic Games. In 1999, in the frontal area, he was wounded by a bullet to the head by an Armenian sniper, as a result, Zakiev completely lost his eyesight and from that time, he is involved with judo.
