Hidayat Heydarov Completed a Historic Year

Azerbaijani judoka Hidayat Heydarov has capped off an extraordinary 2024 by finishing as the world’s top-ranked judoka in the U73kg division, amassing an impressive 8004 points. His unprecedented run included winning every major title, cementing his place in judo history and making 2024 the defining year of his career.

Heydarov’s year began with a commanding victory at the European Championships in Zagreb. Just weeks later, he claimed the World Championship crown in Abu Dhabi, showcasing his unmatched dominance. As the season progressed, skeptics questioned whether the Azerbaijani star could maintain his form all the way to the Paris Olympics. However, Heydarov silenced all doubts, capturing the gold medal in the French capital with the Eiffel Tower as a striking backdrop.  

Reflecting on his historic achievements, Heydarov remarked, “2024 was one of the best years in the history of Azerbaijani judo and, of course, for me personally. I became champion of the three main events: Europeans, Worlds, and the Olympic Games. Ending the year on this note feels indescribably great.”  
The road to glory was anything but easy for Heydarov. After early success as a junior, his transition to the senior circuit was marked by challenges, including competing in the shadow of teammate and Olympic silver medallist Rustam Orujov. A failed attempt to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in a different weight category added to the setbacks. Undeterred, Heydarov returned to his natural U73kg division and found a powerful ally in Elnur Mammadli, Azerbaijan’s 2008 Olympic champion.  
Under Mammadli’s mentorship, Heydarov blossomed into a formidable champion, achieving an unprecedented “hat-trick” of major titles in just three months. His triumphs have elevated Azerbaijani judo to new heights, marking 2024 as a landmark year for the sport in the country.  
Heydarov remains focused on the future, aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “As everybody knows, reaching the top is difficult, but staying there is more difficult. I hope at the end of 2025, I can ‘copy and paste’ this same message!” he said with determination.  
As the year draws to a close, Heydarov can maintain his dominance in 2025, but for now, his historic achievements stand as an inspiration to many judo fans around the globe. he is one of the candidates to become Judoka of the year.