Allahverdiyev aiming to make his mark

Teenager Ismayil Allahverdiyev will make sporting history for Azerbaijan when Para archery opens the competition schedule at the European Para Youth Games (EPYG) in Istanbul.

And hopes are high that the 15-year-old could make it a dream start when his country makes its debut in the EPYG.

Azerbaijan are likely to have a major impact in their traditional stronghold sports such as Para taekwondo, where Paris 2024 Paralympics bronze medallist Sabir Zeynalov spearheads their medal bid, and Para judo.

The EPYG newcomers will send seven athletes into a strong quest for taekwondo podium places, while Azerbaijan also has competitors in Para judo, boccia, Para swimming, Para athletics and Para table tennis.

But the initial spotlight falls on Allahverdiyev as the first of 17 competitors in an Azerbaijan team aiming to make its presence felt.

"I am very happy to be here," he said, as he prepared for a first training session at the impressive Cebeci Sports Complex.

"My aim is to get a medal for my family. I am feeling good, and I really want to go home with a medal."

Allahverdiyev's preparations have been overseen by Ilgar Abbasov, head coach of Azerbaijan Paralympic Committee's archery team, who added: "It will be an emotional occasion for him when the competition begins, but he certainly has the potential to get a medal."

Abbasov sees EPYG as an important phase of Para archery's development in Azerbaijan after a team competed in Paris last year with a desire to spread the sport's popularity into regions outside of the country's capital Baku.

The National Championships saw almost 60 athletes compete across three days, and building blocks are already being put in place for a concerted challenge at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

"The EPYG is very important for us in terms of getting ready for the next Paralympic Games," Abbasov said.

"We would like as many events as possible to try to improve our young sportsmen and sportswomen as the next generation.

"We have won medals at the Islamic Games and we were represented in Paris last year, and developing that next generation of Para athletes for Azerbaijan is so important."

The record-breaking Istanbul 2025 European Para Youth Games officially open on 24 July and run until 27 July. They will feature a record 640 athletes with 1,200 competitors, coaches and team staff from 33 countries, also the biggest ever number, competing in Para archery, Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para table tennis and Para taekwondo.

Participants will also get to experience the Discovery Programme where they will have the chance to take part in education and experiences in a broad range of topics, including activities designed to immerse the people of Istanbul in EPYG and to get to know Para sport.