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Blind Judo makes stunning debut at 1st European Games in Baku

Date: July 6, 2015

Category: Judo

Blind and partially sighted judo was part of the programme at the recent 1st European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Two weight categories were included for VI judo – women’s under 57kg and men’s over 90kg. the events were a full and integral part of the judo program ein Baku.

The European Olympic Committees, the European Judo Federation and the Azeri Organizing Committee took the initiative to incorporate IBSA Judo athletes together with fully-sighted judokas, and the VI athletes were full members of their national delegations.

The IBSA Judo Committee was involved in organizing the events and instrumental in their success. The film about the specialty of IBSA Judo was shown several times to teach the spectators a little about blind judo.

Our competitors had a great firmness during the event, they showed real fights with clear techniques in standing and ground position as well. The high level performance was recognized by the audience and the professionals too.

In the male event home boy Zakiyev (Azerbaijan) took gold to the delight of the crowds, defeating Pominov (Ukraine) in the final. Mislimov (Azerbaijan) and Parasiuk (Russia) shared bronze.

Caption: Medal winners from the men's events pose on the podium.  

In the women’s -57kg event Ukrainian Cherniak beat Azerbaijan’s Abdullayeva for gold in the final. Brussig Ramona (Germany) and Nataliya Nikolaychyk (Ukraine) won bronze.

Click on the link above for full final standings.

Norbert Bíró was the professional commentator of IBSA judo for the live stream broadcasting.

The outstanding personality as an athlete was Mr Zakiyev, twice Paralympic Champion in heavyweight category and national hero. The medals for the men’s event were handed over by the President of Azerbaijan, Mr Aliyev. The participant and gift provider during the medal ceremony was IBSA President Jannie Hammershoi.

Caption: Baku 2015 1st European Games logo.

The medal ceremony participants were Mr. Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees, and Mr. Norbert Bíró. Mr. Patrick Hickey provided the medals for the athletes in female category.

Following the great success of IBSA Judo at the event, the leaders of the IBSA Judo Committee has been invited to the International Judo Federation congress in August to introduce IBSA Judo to delegates of the member countries. Also IBSA Judo was asked for a presentation at the Junior World Championships in October.

Our sport is taking positive strides in order to develop judo and increase popularity and the number of new countries and athletes.

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