Flagbearers in judo: Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva from Azerbaijan is one of the flagbearers in judo. She began practicing judo at the age of nine. Born in 1999, in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, Gultaj was inspired to take up the sport after watching Elnur Mammadli compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Her dedication and passion for judo have led her to train at the Azerbaijan national training center under the guidance of coach Zaur Rajabli.

Standing at 160 cm, Gultaj has competed in several prestigious events, showcasing her skills on the international stage. Her career highlights include a fifth-place finish in the mixed team event at the 2019 IJF World Championships in Tokyo and a ninth-place finish in the women's -52 kg category at the 2023 World Championships in Doha. She has also been a consistent performer on the World Tour, securing a silver medal in Dushanbe in 2023 and multiple bronze medals in various locations, including Astana, Linz, and Tbilisi in the same year.

Gultaj's accomplishments extend beyond the World Tour. She clinched a silver medal at the 2020 European U23 Championships and a bronze medal at the 2017 Junior European Championships, underscoring her potential and resilience. Her journey in judo is marked by dedication and perseverance, with her family's support playing a crucial role. Her parents, Mais and Elmira, along with her siblings, Zaur and Aytac, have been her pillars of strength.

In addition to her athletic career, Gultaj is also a sport coach, having pursued education in sport coaching at university. She is fluent in Azerbaijani and English and actively engages with her fans through her Instagram account. Known for her superstition, Gultaj wears lucky slides and carries the same backpack for all competitions, a ritual that she believes brings her good fortune.

Her favorite technique is Sumi-gaeshi, and she continues to be inspired by her hero, Elnur Mammadli, and other judo legends like Kaori Matsumoto. Gultaj Mammadaliyeva's journey in judo reflects her dedication and passion for the sport, as she continues to strive for excellence and make her mark on the international stage.

Judo Flagbearers so far (updated Friday)

Amina Belkadi (ALG)

Ange Ciella Niragira (BUR)

Anna-Maria Wagner (GER)

Arnold Kisoka (COD)

Barbara Matic (CRO)

Djamila Silva (CPV)

Erlan Sherov (KGZ)

Faye Njie (GAM)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Hugo Cumbo (VAN)

Idalys Ortiz (CUB)

Izayana Marenco (NCA)

Juan Postigos (PER)

Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST)

Krisztian Toth (HUN)

Larisa Ceric (BIH)

Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Nora Gjakova (KOS)

Akil Gjakova (KOS)

Peter Paltchik (ISR)

Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CMR)

Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Temur Rakhimov (TJK)

Valentin Houinato (BEN)

Thomas Mlugu (TAN)

Lukas Krpalek (CZE)