Hidajat Hejdarow won gold in the men’s up to 73 kilograms category at the Judo Grand Slam in Baku. This sent the atmosphere in the hall into overdrive. And there was a second gold medal for Azerbaijan.

The Judo Grand Slam in Baku also drew large crowds to the event hall in the east of the Azerbaijani capital on the second day of the competition. Once again, many young judo enthusiasts were there to cheer on their role models and learn a trick or two

Among other things, they got to see Poland’s Angelika Szymanska win gold in the 63-kilogram weight class and celebrate her first ever Grand Slam victory. Vladimir Barta, Sports Director of the World Judo Federation, honored the Polish athlete.

“The atmosphere is outstanding. The children here love judo. It is a very popular sport in Azerbaijan. I am very happy to be here, to have won and to be able to celebrate the victory with the children,” said Szymanska.

There was even more cheering when the local Hidajat Hejdarow won gold in the men’s up to 73 kilograms category. He faced Petru Pelivan from the Republic of Moldova in the final. But Hejdarow was also unbeatable thanks to the support of his compatriots. He brought about the decision with a Seoi-Otoshi.

Elnur Mammadli, 2008 Olympic champion and now deputy chairman of the Azerbaijani Judo Federation, was responsible for the award ceremony.

“I hope that my colleagues will repeat this success and that there will be more Olympic champions from Azerbaijan,” said Hejdarov.

In the weight class up to 70 kilograms, the winner in Baku was Elisavet Teltsidou. The Greek athlete won Grand Slam gold for the fourth time and was presented with the award by Antonio Castro, the ambassador of the World Judo Federation.

In the weight class up to 70 kilograms, the winner in Baku was Elisavet Teltsidou. The Greek athlete won Grand Slam gold for the fourth time and was honored by Antonio Castro, the ambassador of the World Judo Federation.