Azeri judoka not happy in preparation to European Games

A number of Azerbaijani judoka held a protest in connection with the financial situation at the Azerbaijan Judo Federation. According to the Azeri Newspapers the athletes haven’t been paid or get it very late. Among the protesters Elmar Gasimov, 2013 world champion Elkhan Mammadov, and world championship medallist Nijat Shikhalizade. "How are we going to act on the EuroGames with such a training?"

The last serious victory for an Azeri judoka was in October when Orkhan Safarov won gold at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. “The reason for this is lack of charges, adequate funding, the delay of salaries” Elmar Gasimov said.  “Reservists do not receive wages and therefore do not come to training. There is no sparring partners in national teams. I perform in the weight category U100kg, but in training I have no one to fight.”

“We have repeatedly met with the vice-president of the Federation, spoke about our problems. But the problem are not solved. We do not have an elementary equipment. Those who are injured are treated at their own expense.”

With the most important competitions, the European games, the World Championships and the Olympic Games of Rio “how will we perform there with such training?"

The president of the Judo Federation of Azerbaijan is a former Minister of Labour and Social Protection Fizuli Alekperov.

Best Azeri judoka in the latest IJF World Ranking

4. Orkhan Safarov U60kg

4. Elkhan Mammadov U100kg

5. Elmar Gasimov U100kg

9. Rustam Orujov U73kg

10. Ilgar Mushkiyev U60kg

13. Nijat Shikhalizada U66kg