National judoka claims first medal in Rio

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijani judo fighter Bayram Mustafayev (66kg) has grabbed silver to add the first medal to Azerbaijan's medal haul at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

He beat rivals from Brazil and Japan, but, despite a good game, he lost to Uzbek Utkirjon Nigmatov in the gold medal bout.

Mustafayev is a three time European (2011, 2013 and 2015) and world champion (2014).

In the Summer Paralympics, which will last until September 18, Azerbaijan is represented by 24 athletes in judo, athletics, powerlifting, swimming, shooting and archery.

There are six women among the Azerbaijani Paralympians.

Azerbaijani Paralympians have 41 licenses, which is more compared to London 2012 Paralympics.

Azerbaijan made its Paralympic Games debut at the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, with a two-man delegation to compete in track and field and powerlifting. To date, Azerbaijan has participated in five Summer Paralympic Games.

So far, Azerbaijani athletes have won a total of 27 Paralympic medals, eight of which are gold, ten are silver and nine are bronze.  At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, Azerbaijani Paralympic team set a record bringing home a total of 12 medals, four of which were gold.