Hidayat Heydarov will compete in the 73 kg weight category at the World Championship to be held in Baku. The Olympic champion has been penalised by the Judo Federation for failing to make weight in two competitions.

It sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? An Olympic champion being punished. It does. The Olympic champion, who should be a role model for everyone in terms of discipline, is facing a sanction from the federation.

As is the case in many sports, our local athletes lack consistency in judo as well. Some lose their way after achieving success, while others struggle without it. Admittedly, making weight is a challenging task. However, if a target has been set for a judoka like Hidayat Asgarov, he must meet it at all costs. He has already accomplished the hardest part by becoming an Olympic champion and winning the hearts of the people. Now, the challenge is to maintain that love. But if he continues to be undisciplined and faces penalties like this, it will be difficult.

Failing to make weight in two consecutive elite-level competitions is a fiasco. Being an Olympic champion should not create an opportunity to evade the expectations placed upon him. Fans love athletes not just for their results but also for their character and discipline. This reflects a lack of professionalism in his preparation. Not making weight in two competitions is not a coincidence; it is a sign of indiscipline.

Let’s hope that Hidayat can prove himself on the tatami once again. We have no doubt about his talent. However, athletes at this level must be exemplary in all aspects of professionalism.