The start of the Paris-2024 Summer Olympic Games is only a month away. After 30 days, the planet's attention will turn to the French capital.
Idman.biz reviews Azerbaijan's golden hopes in Paris.
Traditionally, there is no doubt that combat types will fill Azerbaijan's medal reserve this time. If we look at the history, 44 of the 49 Olympic medals were won in one-on-one combat types - wrestling, boxing, judo, taekwondo and karate. Only 5 prizes fall to the share of the canoe with shooting.
Without discovering America, it can be said that in Paris we will expect medals mainly in wrestling, judo and boxing. Of course, in some of the other types, you can hope for a pleasant surprise, an unexpected achievement. We will expect the highest graded medal - the championship, mostly from these species.
Idman.biz presents the ranking of Azerbaijan's biggest golden hopes:
1. Hidayat Heydarov (judo, 73 kg)
Azerbaijani number one candidate for the title of champion in Paris-2024 is Hidayat Heydarov. The world and four-time European champion aimed for the highest step of the podium in his first Olympics. The fact that he won gold medals at both the world championships and the continent this year is indicative of his current form. The fact that Hidayat is the master of his own weight is also proven by the great advantage in the world and Olympic rankings. The possibility of him becoming the second Olympic champion in Azerbaijan judo history is highly appreciated by all experts.
2. Hasrat Jafarov (Greek-Roman wrestling, 67 kg)
Azerbaijani Greco-Roman team can get the second Olympic gold in its history in the French capital. Each of the "classics" can enrich the medal account of the national team and experience the joy of the championship. Hasrat Jafarov's chance to climb to the top of the honorary chair seems to be higher. Despite being only 22 years old, Azerbaijani wrestler already has quite a large collection of medals. Azerbaijani wrestler, who won the license to Paris by advancing to the finals of the world championship last year, got bronze a year before that silver. At that time, Hasrat, which was the third not only in the world, but also in the continent, became the strongest in Europe in the following two years. The championship of the wrestler who won all the successes in the same weight 4 months ago shows that he is in shape and has the power to "blow up" Paris.
3. Zelim Kotsoyev (judo, 100 kg)
Azerbaijan judo team, which won one gold medal in the previous 7 Olympics, can sing the Azerbaijani national anthem twice in Paris. Because Hidayat Heydarov's teammate Zelim Kotsoyev will also go to the French capital for the highest achievement. Azerbiajani athlete, who won medals in three consecutive world championships, proved that he is the strongest of all in Abu Dhabi last month. Kotsoyev, who is the leader of all rankings in his weight, will show it on the Paris tatami. The last world and last year's European champion should add the gold of the most prestigious quadrennial multisport competition to these awards.
4. Magomedkhan Magomedov (freestyle wrestling, 97 kg)
Like the Greco-Roman wrestlers, each of Azerbaijani wrestlers who prefer the free style is capable of winning a medal or even a championship on the carpet of Paris. Magomedkhan Magomedov can be considered more fortunate. Azerbaijani wrestler, who won the ticket to Paris by reaching the finals of last year's world championship, is considered the leader in his weight. The fact that the legendary Abdulrashid Sadullayev, who is considered the master of this weight, was not admitted to the Olympics made Magomedkhan the favorite. Azerbaijani representative, who has been a finalist in the European championships for the last three years, continued the series that started with gold with the next two silvers. The wrestler, who won bronze and gold in the world championships, is focused on success in his first Olympic attempt.
5. Alfonso Dominguez (boxing, 92 kg)
The first golden time has come for Azerbaijan boxing nation, which has won medals at every Olympics since Sydney. Azerbaijan team is capable of winning several medals in Paris. The first championship is worth waiting for. Alfonso Dominguez, who won bronze in Tokyo, is considered one of the leaders of the team. The finalist of the two world championships after the Olympics was happy with one gold and one silver. The boxer, who won the European bronze medal this year, is one of the favorites in the fight for the highest rank of the podium.
We have considered 5 main candidates for Paris gold. Of course, we would like to see more success in the French capital. But if we look at the history, more than 2 golds have not been won in any Olympics. More championships and the realization of a new record in this indicator depend not only on this "cradle", but on all Azerbaijani athletes. Why not, why not "blow up" Paris?
Vugar Kheyrullayev
Idman.biz
