Ilham Zakiyev
Ilham Azizaga oglu Zakiyev is an Azerbaijani blind judoka. He began studying judo when he was 11 years of age. In 1998, when he was 18, he went to serve in Azerbaijani army in the Aşağı Əbdürrəhmanlı village of Fizuli Rayon. He served on the frontline of the conflict zone. On 4 February 1999, he was wounded by a bullet to the head by an Armenian sniper, while on a combat mission. The bullet passed through the entire head, entering from the left and exiting via the right temple. As a result, Zakiyev has completely lost his eyesight. After a long rehabilitation he returned to the sport but as a paralympian. He is the holder of a 6-dan black belt.
He won a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Paralympics and the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in the +100 kg division. Zakiyev has been European champion seven times, and has twice been the World champion.Personal life
In 2008, Zakiyev received the Shohrat Order for his services in the development of Azerbaijani sport.
He is an avid supporter of Neftchi Baku.
