Azerbaijani karate athletes returned home with the excellent results of the first tournament of 2015. National team of cadets and juniors finished 23rd medals.
A member of the junior team Gummat Bakhshaliyev (-52 kg) and team leader in the age group 16-17 years Ulvi Gurbanov (61 kg) won the Grand Prix. Team member in the age group 16-17 years Farida Aliyeva (+59) and Sevinc Mehdiyeva (-50 kg), participating in the age group 18-20 years, were awarded a silver medal, losing only in the final. Murad Balakishiev (-70 kg) and Murad Hajizadeh (+70 kg), performing in the age group of 14-15 years became the owners of bronze. Two more of our athletes - Isa Mammadov (16-17 years, -76 kg) and Veli Veliyev (16-17 years, + 76 kg) participated in the fights for a comforting places, but could not get on the podium. One of the favorites of the competition Huseyn Aliyev (16-17 years, -68 kg) was injured in the first fight and was forced to leave the tournament.
Croatian Grand Prix in Samabor with 6 The International Judge Vugar Kerimov, as well as judges of national category Javid Rafiev and Mais Madatov served this tournament. In the competition participated 1732 athletes of different age categories from 204 clubs representing 21 countries. 1238 athletes participated in kumite competitions, 437 karatekas in kata competitions, 16 athletes with physical disabilities competed for medals in kata competitions, 41 teams joined the fight in kata competitions in the team standings. Performance of our athletes at the tournament was broadcast online on the official website of the Federation and Facebook.
In early February another important competition is waiting for our karatekas, took part in the Croatian Grand Prix under the guidance of the senior coaches Anar Allahverdiyev and Shahin Khudaverdiyev. Our cadets and juniors will take part in the European Championships, which will be held February 6-8 in the Swiss city of Zurich.
