Laman Ismayilova

The karate athletes of the Azerbaijan Deaflympic Committee have
successfully participated in the Chisinau Karate Open Grand Prix”
held in Chisinau, Moldova, Azernews reports.

A total of 16 Azerbaijani athletes, including 6 hearing-impaired
karatekas, competed in the tournament, which featured 287 athletes
from various countries.

The participants competed in different weight categories in the
“Senior Deaf” division, and our representatives were awarded one
gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

Specifically, Elnur Gasimzade won gold in the 67 kg weight
category, Hikmat Aghayev and Aliakbar Alizade earned silver medals
in the 60 kg and 75 kg weight categories, respectively, while Shaig
Osmanov (75 kg), Sahib Sahibli, and Elmin Huseynli (both in the 84
kg category) each secured bronze medals.

The Azerbaijan Deaflympic Committee, which was officially
established in October 2023, has set its primary objectives to
promote the development of physical education and sports among
individuals with hearing impairments.

The committee aims to support their rehabilitation process and
assist in their integration into a healthy, active society through
organized sporting activities. Additionally, it seeks to encourage
the broad and extensive growth of various sports that are included
in the Deaflympic program throughout the entire country.

Furthermore, the committee places a significant emphasis on the
training and preparation of athletes specializing in these sports
disciplines, ensuring they are well-equipped to compete at various
levels.

Since the year 2025, the Azerbaijan Deaflympic Committee has
been recognized as a member of the International Committee of Deaf
Sport (ICSD), reflecting its commitment to engaging with the
international deaf sports community and adhering to global
standards and practices in deaf sports development.