The International Judo Federation (IJF) has highlighted the historic success of Azerbaijani para-judoka Ilham Zakiyev in an article reviewing the results of the European Para Judo Championships held in Heidelberg, Germany.

Operativ Media reports that the article cited Zakiyev's return to the top step of the podium at a major international tournament as one of the standout highlights from the championship's second day.

The Azerbaijani para-judo legend secured the European title in the J1 +95 kg category. Zakiyev sealed another continental crown after defeating Spain's Rodrigo Suarez Garrosa in the final.

The International Judo Federation also emphasized Zakiyev's long and successful career. It noted that he first claimed gold at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games and defended his title four years later in Beijing. A three-time world champion, he subsequently won three bronze medals across the London, Tokyo, and Paris Paralympics.

The IJF piece pointed out that Zakiyev has been competing among the world's elite in para-judo for more than 20 years, underscoring that 22 years after his initial Paralympic triumph, he continues to compete, win, and become European champion.

The federation assessed Zakiyev's victory as one of the main symbolic moments of the Heidelberg championships. The article noted that the event brought together multiple generations of para-judokas: veterans with careers spanning over two decades, reigning champions of their era, and young athletes striving to become the defining faces of the upcoming Paralympic cycle.