Azerbaijan's Olympic judo champion Hidayat Heydarov will not compete at the Budapest Grand Slam.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Heydarov was scheduled to begin his campaign in the 81 kg weight category against Hungary's Benedek Toth but has withdrawn from the tournament due to a minor injury.
The Azerbaijan Judo Federation told İdman.Biz that the injury is not serious. However, following a joint decision by the medical team and coaching staff, it was considered better not to risk the Olympic champion's health by allowing him to compete.
The federation stressed that the main priority is for Heydarov to be fully prepared for the upcoming World Championships.
The Budapest Grand Slam was due to be Heydarov's second international tournament in the 81 kg category after moving up from 73 kg. In his first appearance at the new weight, at the Qingdao Grand Prix, the Azerbaijani judoka reached the final and won a silver medal.
Four other Azerbaijani judokas are scheduled to compete on the second day of the Budapest Grand Slam.
In the 73 kg category, Kamran Suleymanov will face France's Nathan Cadignan, while Rashid Mammadaliyev will take on Orlando Cazorla, also of France.
In the 81 kg division, Vusal Galandarzade will meet Cyprus' Odysseas Georgakis.
In the women's 70 kg category, Sudaba Aghayeva will begin her campaign against Portugal's Tais Pina.
Azerbaijani judokas failed to win a medal on the opening day of the Budapest Grand Slam.
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Azerbaijan's Olympic champion Hidayat Heydarov will begin his campaign at the Budapest Judo Grand Slam on the second day of competition.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Heydarov will compete in the 81 kg weight category and will face Hungary's Benedek Toth in his opening bout.
The tournament in Budapest is Heydarov's second Grand Slam appearance at 81 kg after moving up from the 73 kg division, in which he achieved the biggest successes of his career, including Olympic and world titles.
Four other Azerbaijani judokas will also take to the tatami on the second competition day.
In the 73 kg category, Kamran Suleymanov will face France's Nathan Cadignan, while Rashid Mammadaliyev will take on another French representative, Orlando Cazorla.
In the 81 kg division, Vusal Galandarzade will meet Cyprus' Odysseas Georgakis.
In the women's competition, Sudaba Aghayeva will begin her campaign in the 70 kg category against Portugal's Tais Pina.
Azerbaijani judokas failed to win a medal on the opening day of the Budapest Grand Slam on Friday.
