With just two weeks left until the Judo World Championships kick off on June 13 in Budapest, the Azerbaijani national team has finalized its roster — and the expectations are high. While Olympic champions Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev will aim to defend their titles, the team’s medal ambitions certainly don’t stop there.
The squad is heading to the Hungarian capital with its strongest lineup yet, Idman.biz reports.
Several judokas who impressed at the recent European Championships in Podgorica are among those selected. Bronze medalists Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg), Rashid Mammadaliyev (73 kg), and Zelim Tckaev (81 kg) will all be representing Azerbaijan on the world stage. For Kotsoyev, the Montenegrin tournament marked his first official appearance since the Olympics, where he took silver — a strong sign of his sustained form post-Paris.
The only European medalist missing from the Budapest team is Murad Fatiyev (81 kg), who is sidelined due to an injury sustained at the championships.
Expectations are high for the entire team. Last year, Heydarov and Kotsoyev made headlines with their performances in Abu Dhabi, and fans now look forward to seeing if they can repeat that success. The real question is: What form will they bring to Budapest?
Heydarov’s return to the tatami
Hidayat Heydarov has not competed since the Paris Summer Olympics, having missed the European Championships due to illness. Yet, having captured the European, World, and Olympic titles in a single year, he’s already proven that nothing is impossible. This World Championship could mark a new chapter — and a fresh source of motivation.
Kotsoiev aiming for back-to-back gold
After winning silver in Podgorica, Kotsoyev expressed his joy at being back on the tatami. He’s in top form, with a clear goal of securing a second world title. Notably, Kotsoyev has medaled at three consecutive World Championships — bronze in Tashkent (2022), bronze in Doha (2023), and gold in Abu Dhabi (2024).
More than just two stars
While Heydarov and Kotsoyev lead the pack, medal prospects extend across all weight categories. Zelim Tckaev (81 kg), a four-time Grand Slam winner who earned his first European medal last month, is considered a serious contender.
Eljan Hajiyev (90 kg), who recently returned from injury to win the Astana Grand Slam, is another key name to watch. A former European champion, this will be his third World Championship appearance.
Other strong competitors include Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg), Ruslan Pashayev (66 kg), Rashid Mammadaliyev (73 kg), Vugar Talibov (90 kg), and Ushangi Kokauri (+100 kg) — all of whom have proven themselves on the international stage and are capable of delivering surprise results.
Women’s team eyes breakthrough
The World Championships also represent a key milestone for Azerbaijan’s women’s team. Leyla Aliyeva, Konul Aliyeva (48 kg), Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (52 kg), and Fidan Alizada (57 kg) will all compete in Budapest. While they've shown promise in various international events, standing out at a World Championship is a bigger challenge — and a new opportunity for growth.
New Olympic cycle begins
This World Championship also signals the beginning of a new Olympic cycle. The excitement is heightened by newly introduced rules, which will be tested on a major stage for the first time in Budapest. These regulations are expected to be officially adopted by the International Judo Federation for the road to Los Angeles 2028.
In short, judo fans are in for a thrilling week. With high expectations and strong contenders across the board, Team Azerbaijan is ready to make its mark once again.
Zaki Feyzullayev
Idman.biz
