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Ilham ZakievAzerbaijani Paralympic Judoka
Date of Birth: 03.03.1980
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- Vision Loss
- Return to Judo
- Paralympic Career
- 2008 Paralympic Games, Beijing
- 2012 Paralympic Games, London
- 2015 European Games, Baku
- 2016 Paralympic Games, Rio de Janeiro
- Other Achievements
- Two-time world champion (2007, 2010)
Early Life and Military Service
Ilham Zakiev was born on March 3, 1980, in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. He began practicing judo at the age of 15, and by 1998 he had become a prominent judoka in the city. However, his promising career was cut short when he joined the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the midst of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Vision Loss
On February 9, 1999, Zakiev was severely wounded in the head by an Armenian sniper's bullet while on a combat mission. The bullet entered his left temple and exited his right, leaving him comatose for five days. Upon waking, he realized he had lost his sight.
Return to Judo
Despite his disability, Zakiev remained determined to return to sport. With the support of his family and friends, he resumed judo training in 2002 under the guidance of his former coach, Ahmedin Rajaqli.
Paralympic Career
2004 Paralympic Games, AthensIn 2003, Zakiev won a bronze medal at the International Blind and Visually Impaired Sports World Games, which qualified him for the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. There, he defeated opponents from Cuba, Spain, and Great Britain to claim the gold medal in the over 100 kg weight category.
2008 Paralympic Games, Beijing
Zakiev repeated his success at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, once again winning the gold medal in the over 100 kg weight category. His victory was particularly emotional for Azerbaijan, as it marked the first time its national anthem had been played at the Paralympic Games.
2012 Paralympic Games, London
At the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, Zakiev won a bronze medal after losing in the quarterfinals but winning his repechage matches.
2015 European Games, Baku
Zakiev represented Azerbaijan at the inaugural European Games in Baku, where he won the gold medal in the over 90 kg weight category.
2016 Paralympic Games, Rio de Janeiro
Zakiev qualified for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by winning the World Cup in February 2015. However, he did not medal at the Games.
Other Achievements
In addition to his Paralympic victories, Zakiev has also won numerous other accolades, including:
Seven-time European champion (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
Two-time world champion (2007, 2010)
Holder of the 7th Dan in judoAwarded the Order of Glory (twice) and the Progress Medal
Legacy
Ilham Zakiev is considered a hero in Azerbaijan and an inspiration for people with disabilities worldwide. His story of overcoming adversity and achieving success against all odds serves as a testament to the power of human spirit.
