The boy died while being handled by his coach.
The coach accused of the death has been successful internationally. Illustration picture. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
A 7-year-old boy died at the end of April during a martial arts practice in Azerbaijan, reports included OC Media and Qayqazinfo news site.
The boy took part in sambo training, but most obviously his coach died Mehman Khalilov as a result of actions.
Khalilov is the bronze medalist of the sport from the 2019 European Games.
Khalilov, 28, made a dangerous move on the boy, as a result of which his neck was broken. Reports according to Khalilov, he had grabbed the boy by the hair and ears, raised the boy to a height of half a meter and made some movement. Khalilov had also kicked the little boy lying on the ground afterwards.
The child was rushed to the Sumgayit City Children’s Hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. From the video recording obtained by the police, it has emerged that Khalilov used similar methods on other children as well. Khalilov was arrested as a result of the incident.
The Azerbaijan Judo Federation issued a statement on the matter and denied the information that Khalilov was a judo coach. The association sent its condolences to the boy’s family.
In its press release, the association also emphasized that coaches must follow and implement safe procedures in training and ensure that the children are safe.
– It is absolutely forbidden to show young children complex movements during judo practice. In addition, children must first be taught how to fall safely and only after a few months teach simple movements.
– It is also worth noting that ACF has banned the use of those movements that endanger health. In particular, movements that can cause the head to hit the ground, the association continued in the press release.
Sambo is a martial art used for self-defense. It was developed in the Soviet Union.