Islamic Solidarity Games: 179 Azerbaijani athletes compete across six sports in Riyadh

Azerbaijani athletes are in the spotlight today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as they compete in six sports at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games.

In weightlifting, Isa Rustamov (71 kg) will represent Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Azerbaijani judokas aiming for medals include Aytaj Gardashkhanly and Sudaba Aghayeva (both 70 kg), Gunel Hasanli (78 kg), Eljan Hajiyev (90 kg), Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg), and Ushangi Kokauri (+100 kg).

In swimming, Said Hamidov, Egor Maynitsky, Rashad Alguliyev, Fatima Alkaramova, and Anastasia Boborikina will showcase Azerbaijani talent. The country’s men’s, women’s, and mixed teams will also compete in the 4×100 m freestyle relay.

Azerbaijani boxers advancing to the semifinals include Saidjamshid Jafarov (80 kg), Aynur Mikayilova (57 kg), Fatima Mehdieva (65 kg), and Mahammadali Gasimzada.

The Azerbaijani women’s volleyball team will face Türkiye in their next group-stage match at 16:00 Baku time, while the national table tennis team takes on Pakistan.

Overall, Azerbaijan is represented by 179 athletes across 20 sports, competing among 57 countries in 23 disciplines. The Games will conclude with the closing ceremony on November 21.

By Khagan Isayev