As a five-times World Champion and ten-times European title-holder, Rafael Aghayev is arguably the most awarded Karate athlete in the history of the sport. With a legion of fans following each one of his steps, and hundreds of avid Karate enthusiasts ready to watch him showing his trade-mark fierce moves, the revered karateka from Azerbaijan is one of the most popular athletes of the sport. 

As a five-time World Champion and ten-time European title-holder, Rafael Aghayev is arguably the most awarded Karate athlete in the history of the sport. With a legion of fans following each one of his steps, and hundreds of avid Karate enthusiasts ready to watch him showing his trade-mark fierce moves, the revered karateka from Azerbaijan is also one of the most popular athletes of the sport. 

The legendary Karateka stars in the new episode of WKF's “Getting to Know” series. While the upcoming World Championships are already appearing on the horizon, the 33-year-old athlete explains his quest to Karate’s glory, the importance of his beliefs and the weight of the Olympic dream in his career in the new video on WKF YouTube channel.  

“It would be a great achievement to participate in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. I hope that my dream will come true,” said Aghayev. “In my career, the medal at the Olympics is the only thing missing. Winning an Olympic medal will be a joyful end to my sports career,” stated the Azeri idol.  

Rafael Aghayev has claimed seven medals in World Championships (five golds and two silver) and no less than 18 medals in European Championships. This year, the athlete born in Sumqayit re-took the European title after beating Hungary’s Gabor Harspataki in the final of the continental tournament. The multi-awarded champion showed the appreciation to those who helped him in his highly-successful path.

“I am grateful to my family; my father, my mother and my brothers. They supported me in all possible ways,” said Aghayev in the video. 

“We were very poor, and my parents could not afford to send me anywhere to compete. My mother sold her gold earrings and her wedding ring to pay for my first trip to a competition. No matter how many medals I win, they cannot compensate for that gesture,” added the fan-favourite karateka. 

One of the most well-known athletes in his country of origin, Aghayev is also stating the importance of his beliefs in his sporting career, thus showing that his faith represents a crucial part of his personality.  

“I keep God in my mind, in good times and in bad times. God will always be there for the believer. Whenever I go to the tatami, I always ask God for help,” said Aghayev. 

Watch the full video here:  “Getting to know Rafael Aghayev” 

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