Azerbaijani athletes advance to finals at 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh PHOTO

Azerbaijani athletes are making their mark at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, with multiple competitors advancing to the finals in their respective disciplines, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media outlets.

In judo, Olympic champion Zelim Kotsoiev (–100 kg) secured his place in the final after a decisive semifinal victory over Bahraini athlete Said Sadrudinov. Sadrudinov received three shido penalties, automatically granting the win to Kotsoiev. In the gold medal match, Kotsoyev will face Egypt’s Omar Elramli, with the championship in the 100 kg category on the line.

Female judoka Sudaba Aghayeva also advanced to the final in the under-70 kg category. Agaeva defeated Cameroonian competitor Zita Ornella Biami in her semifinal match and will now compete for the gold medal later today.

Azerbaijan’s first swimming finalist emerged as Said Hamidov qualified for the final in the 200-meter individual medley event. Hamidov finished sixth out of 19 participants during the preliminary rounds. Another Azerbaijani swimmer, Yegor Maynitsky, finished 11th and did not advance.

Azerbaijan is represented at the Games by 179 athletes competing across 20 sports. Overall, the tournament features participants from 57 countries competing in 23 disciplines. The closing ceremony of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games is scheduled for November 21.

By Khagan Isayev