“I’m very happy—everything turned out exactly the way I hoped.”
These are the words of Azerbaijani veteran judoka Farhad Rajabli, who has just clinched his 11th European championship title among veterans, Idman.biz reports.
Speaking after his remarkable victory at the continental championship held in Riga, Latvia, Rajabli shared his thoughts on the tournament:
“I had three matches, and each opponent had their own unique strengths. I could feel that I was well-prepared—especially the final match was truly memorable. I’ve been practicing judo without interruption since I was 12, and what keeps me motivated is simple: judo is part of who I am. It’s my life.”
He also reflected on the personal joy his achievements bring to his loved ones:
“Now, my nieces and nephews eagerly await every new medal. Sometimes I feel they’re even more excited about my victories than I am. Someone once called me ‘an ambassador of judo’ on Facebook. Maybe it’s true, but I don’t do this for fame. I do it out of love—for judo and for my homeland.”
Rajabli also gave a heartfelt statement to the European Judo Union’s official website, emphasizing the values judo has brought into his life:
“Judo isn’t an easy sport—especially as you get older. But it has given me everything: from helping me get into university to serving in the military, and throughout my entire life. It has guided me in the right direction, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.”
Idman.biz
