BAKU—The European Judo Union’s official website recently celebrated the Azerbaijani national junior judo team’s outstanding performance at the European Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, with an article titled “FIDAN IS A TRUE CHAMPION!”

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the article detailed the team’s journey to the top of the medal table, securing four golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, plus a mixed team gold following a dramatic final against France. This achievement not only highlighted the team’s dominance over the four-day event but also marked a significant moment of national pride as the Azerbaijani anthem became a frequent play at the championships.

Elkhan Mammadov, the junior head coach, expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly praising Fidan Alizada, who won her category and played a crucial role in clinching the mixed team gold. Alizada’s victory was noted as a redemption against Alya De Carvalho, whom she had previously faced in the competition.

Mammadov also drew parallels between this team and previous successful generations, suggesting that several members of the current squad have potential for future Olympic success, possibly at Los Angeles 2028. He remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming Junior World Championships in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, acknowledging the challenges of competing at a higher level but maintaining high ambitions for the team.