Ilham Zakiyev

Ilham Zakiyev

250px In 2008. Beijing Paralympics
Personal information
Native name	İlham Əzizağa oğlu Zəkiyev
Full name	Ilham Azizaga oglu Zakiyev
Nationality	Azerbaijani
Ethnicity	Azerbaijani
Born	(1980-03-03) March 3, 1980 Sumgayit
Education	School N5 in Sumgayit
Sport
Country	Azerbaijan
Sport	Paralympic judo
Disability	Blind
Disability class	B1
Coached by	Ibragim Ibragimov
Medal record Men's Judo Representing Azerbaijan Paralympic Games 2004 Athens +100 kg 2008 Beijing +100 kg 2012 London +100 kg World Championships 2007 Sao Paolo +100 kg 2010 Antalya +100 kg 2011 Antalya +100 kg 2003 Quebec +100 kg 2006 Brommat +100 kg European Games 2015 Baku +90 kg European Championships 2005 Vlaardingen +100 kg 2007 Baku +100 kg 2009 Debrecen +100 kg 2011 Crawley +100 kg 2013 Budapest +100 kg 2015 Odivelas +100 kg
Updated on 31 March 2015.

Ilham Azizaga oglu Zakiyev (Azerbaijani: İlham Zəkiyev, born 3 March 1980, Sumgayit) is an Azerbaijani blind judoka. Began studying judo in 11 years. In 1998, when he was 18, he went to serve in the army in Aşağı Əbdürrəhmanlı village of Fizuli Rayon. He served in the frontline of the conflict zone. On February 4 of 1999, during a combat mission, was wounded by a bullet to the head of the Armenian sniper. The bullet passed through the entire head, entering from the left and going to the right temple. As a result, Ilham has completely lost his eyesight. After a long rehabilitation he returned to the sport but as a Paralympic. He is the holder of a 6-dan black belt.

He won the gold medals during the 2004 Athens Paralympics and the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in the +100 kg division. Zakiyev six times was European champion and two times became World champion.

Personal life

In 2008, he received Shohrat Order for his great services in development of the Azerbaijani sport.

He is a devout Muslim and an avid supporter of Neftchi Baku.