Ilham Zakiyev

In Ilham Zakiyev’s opinion, his life has been shaped by a deep connection to both sports and his homeland. He began his athletic journey as a freestyle wrestler, following in the footsteps of his older brother. Later, he transitioned to judo, a decision he does not regret, as it has led to his many achievements. As Zakiyev recalls, his physical strength and athletic abilities were evident from a young age, and sports helped him further develop his potential. In his view, judo is a unique sport that not only requires physical preparation but also sharp technical and mental skills, as it involves using an opponent’s strength against them.

Zakiyev believes that serving his country was a natural step in his life. After winning the national judo championship in 1998, he was called to military service in 1999. However, during a combat mission in the Fuzuli region, he was critically injured by a sniper bullet, which left him blind. Reflecting on that difficult time, Zakiyev remembers the immense support he received from his family and friends, though returning to sports initially seemed impossible.

In Zakiyev’s opinion, his return to sports in 2002 through the Paralympic movement was a turning point. After discovering that judo was part of the Paralympic sports program for visually impaired athletes, he knew it was his opportunity to prove himself once again.

His determination paid off when he won a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, becoming Azerbaijan’s first Paralympic champion. Zakiyev sees this victory as not only a personal achievement but also a moment of pride for his country, as he had the honor of raising the Azerbaijani flag on the world stage.

For Zakiyev, each of his medals holds a special place, whether from the Paralympics, European Championships, or World Championships. He does not differentiate between them, as each represents a milestone in his career. He is particularly proud of his gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, where he defeated a local Chinese athlete in just 40 seconds, turning the crowd’s chants of “China” into cheers for Azerbaijan.

Zakiyev believes that his success in sports has not only brought him personal satisfaction but has also helped raise awareness of the Paralympic movement in Azerbaijan. He recalls that, before his achievements, many people in Azerbaijan were unfamiliar with the Paralympic Games. His victories helped change that, and he feels fortunate to have received strong support from President Ilham Aliyev, who personally congratulated him after his 2015 victory at the European Games.

As Zakiyev reflects on his journey, he is deeply committed to giving back to his community, especially to other veterans. After the 44-day war in Karabakh, Zakiyev visited hospitals to meet with blind veterans, encouraging them to return to life and inviting them to join sports as a way to reconnect with the world. He is proud that many veterans have already started participating in sports and winning medals, and he continues to mentor and inspire them.

Zakiyev is passionate about training with younger athletes and sharing his knowledge, particularly in the heavyweight category, where he sees a shortage of strong competitors in Azerbaijan. He hopes that his efforts will help nurture the next generation of Paralympic champions, ensuring that Azerbaijan continues to succeed in international sports.

Looking back on his life, Zakiyev feels immense gratitude and pride. He does not dwell on the hardships he has faced, such as his injury, but instead focuses on the joy he finds in his work, his family, and his country. In his view, representing Azerbaijan and raising its flag at international competitions is the ultimate reward, and he considers himself fortunate to have achieved this honor.