Ilham Zakiyev

Started: He took up the sport at age 15. (trend.az, 13 Oct 2020) Reason: "I was involved in judo before my injury, so it was easy for me to return to the sport that I love." (regionplus.az, 01 Mar 2021; IJF, 17 Nov 2015) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. "We can think about [retirement] after Paris. If some young judoka defeats me, I will end my career. I will make the final decision after Paris." (report.az, 07 Dec 2023) Milestones: He became the first athlete representing Azerbaijan in any sport to win a medal at four separate editions of the Paralympic Games when he claimed bronze in the +100kg category at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. He won gold in the same category in 2004 and 2008, and bronze at the 2012 Games in London. (SportsDeskOnline, 28 Jun 2023) He became the first judoka representing Azerbaijan to win a medal at the Paralympic Games when he claimed gold in the +100kg category at the 2004 Games in Athens. In 2008 he then became the first athlete representing Azerbaijan in any sport to win two career gold medals at the Paralympic Games when he also claimed the +100kg category title in Beijing. (SportsDeskOnline, 26 Apr 2021) Awards: In recognition of his bronze medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, he received the Order for Service to the Fatherland [first class] in Azerbaijan. In recognition of his bronze medal at the 2012 Games in London, he received the Taraggi [Progress] Medal in Azerbaijan. (media.az, 03 Mar 2023; trend.az, 13 Oct 2020) On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan in 2021, he received the Order for Service to the Fatherland [third class] in Azerbaijan. (paralympic.az, 03 Mar 2021) In 2019 he received the title of Honoured Coach of Azerbaijan from the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports. He has also received the title of Honoured Master of Sport in Azerbaijan. (trend.az, 13 Oct 2020; report.az, 01 Mar 2019) He was Azerbaijan's flag bearer at the opening ceremonies of the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Paralympic Games. (trend.az, 13 Oct 2020) In 2008 he received the Shohrat Order [Order of Glory] in Azerbaijan. (bplondon2012.com, 08 Sep 2011) Additional Info: OTHER ACTIVITIES He has served as vice president of the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan. He says he aims to encourage fellow injured veterans to take up Para sports. "Bringing veterans to the Paralympic movement sets new goals for them. Sport helps a person live and fight. They don't have to be professional athletes. You can play sports just to integrate into society, but those who want to prepare at a professional level will be assisted by professional trainers and they can achieve success in various sports in the shortest possible time. If I find out that there are injured veterans in the neighbourhood or within my reach, I visit and talk to them. I consider it my duty to meet others and give my advice and support to them and their families." (azertag.az, 24 Jul 2023; paralympic.az, 31 Dec 2022; regionplus.az, 01 Mar 2021; trend.az, 13 Oct 2020)