Zeynalov adds to his major medal haul

Sabir Zeynalov added another major medal to his growing collection as Azerbaijan began an expected Para taekwondo gold rush at the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medallist was top seed in the K44 -58kg category at Cebeci Sports Complex, and he did not disappoint.

Zeynalov, though, was tested in both of his bouts as a capacity audience relished some thrilling action that also saw gold for his Azerbaijan colleague - 16-year-old Samaya Hasanova.

Azerbaijan's top Para taekwondo exponent had a bye into the semi-finals, where he met Aykhan Nuriyev and produced a strong finish to take charge of a bout that Nuriyev started well.

It set up an appointment in the final with Turkey's Yusuf Eren, and Zeynalov moved up a gear to take gold.

"It's great for me to wave the Azerbaijan flag, and I am proud to have been to able to do that three or four times in the international arena," he said.

"I have now won three medals in three competitions since Paris. I made mistakes there, and I have concentrated on improvements in key areas."

Hasanova triumphed in the women's K44 -47kg category, beating Turkey's Busra Emire, and there was gold at K44 -52kg for Georgia's Ana Japaridze, who saw off Turkish challenger Tuana Celik.

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.