'I dedicate my victory to martyrs and veterans,' Paralympic champion said

"We were training seriously for the competitions, paying instant attention to preparations for the possible meeting with French Sandrine Martinet. I was sure that I would meet her in the final, Azerbaijani judoka Shahana Hajiyeva, a bronze-winner in the Tokyo-2020 Paralympic Games, told Report speaking at the Heydar Aliyev International Center.

"It all happened how I expected. I encountered the French athlete in the final match, beating her owing to the previously prepared tactics," the Azerbaijani athlete performing in the 48-kilogram event said.

According to Hajiyeva, France's Martinen was the most difficult opponent.

"She is older than me and was the winner of the past Paralympic Games. The rival had more advantages. Despite this, I gained victory owing to my willpower," Shahana said.

Hajiyeva noted that she received congratulations from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, saying she dedicated her victory to her coach Farid Agakishiyev, martyrs and veterans of the Karabakh war.