Why are you running as a candidate for the ISSA Athletes' Commission?
"As an athlete who has represented Azerbaijan
at the Olympic Games and multiple Islamic
Solidarity Games, I am deeply committed to
advancing the voice of athletes within our
sporting community. Competing internationally
has given me a profound understanding of the
challenges athletes face — from preparation
and performance to safeguarding and life
beyond sport. These experiences inspire me to
run for the ISSA Athletes’ Commission.
My goal is to ensure that athletes’ perspectives
are fully represented in decision-making
processes and that their rights, well-being, and
development remain at the center of all policies.
I strongly believe that athletes should not only
be participants but also active contributors in
shaping the future of sport.
If elected, I will work to strengthen solidarity
across our member nations, promote fair and
equal opportunities for both men and women,
and support initiatives that empower athletes to
succeed both on and off the field. I also aim to
encourage the development of educational and
career pathways that prepare athletes for life
after their competitive careers.
Serving on this Commission would be both an
honor and a responsibility — a chance to give
back to the sporting movement that has shaped
my life, while helping to create a stronger, safer,
and more inclusive environment for all athletes."
Farida Azizova
Taekwondo AthleteWith over 15 years of experience as a
professional athlete, I have represented
Azerbaijan at the Olympic Games, World
Championships, and several editions of the
Islamic Solidarity Games. These experiences
have given me a deep understanding of the
unique challenges athletes face — from daily
training and competition demands to navigating
international regulations, safeguarding, and
career transitions.
Beyond my sporting achievements, I have been
actively engaged in athlete representation and
development. I have contributed to initiatives
within the National Olympic Committee of
Azerbaijan, supported young athletes as a
mentor, and participated in international forums
where the voices of athletes were central to
discussions. This has strengthened my ability to
listen, advocate, and build consensus among
diverse stakeholders.
I would bring to the ISSA Athletes’ Commission
not only my first-hand experience as a
competitor but also proven leadership,
communication, and advocacy skills. My
international exposure has taught me the
importance of solidarity, fairness, and inclusivity
in sport, and I am ready to use this knowledge
to ensure athletes’ needs are addressed
effectively.
My fellow athletes should vote for me because I
understand their journey — the sacrifices,
challenges, and dreams that define an athlete’s
life. Having competed at the Olympic Games,
World Championships, and multiple Islamic
Solidarity Games, I know first-hand what
support athletes truly need to perform at their
best and to feel respected and protected
throughout their careers.
I am committed to being a strong and
approachable voice for all athletes, regardless
of sport, gender, or background. My goal is to
ensure that athletes’ concerns are heard and
acted upon, and that fair opportunities,
safeguarding, and career development remain
top priorities within the ISSA.
I believe in solidarity and inclusivity. If elected, I
will dedicate myself to building bridges across
our member nations, promoting equality, and
creating an environment where every athlete
feels represented. Athletes can count on me to
advocate with honesty, transparency, and
passion — because I know that our collective
strength lies in unity.
The biggest challenge I have faced as an
athlete was overcoming injuries at critical
moments in my career. Like many athletes, I
experienced setbacks that not only tested my
physical strength but also my mental resilience.
Recovering while staying motivated, maintaining
confidence, and preparing to return to
competition at the highest level was an
enormous challenge.
These moments taught me the importance of
discipline, patience, and a strong support
system. They also made me realize how vital it
is for athletes to have access to proper medical
care, psychological support, and
encouragement from their sporting community.
Although those challenges were difficult, they
shaped me into a stronger and more determined
athlete. They gave me a deeper understanding
of what many fellow athletes go through, and
they inspire me to advocate for better
structures that protect and support athletes
during difficult times.
I first became involved in sport on the advice of
a doctor, who recommended physical activity to
improve my health and well-being. Following
this guidance, I began practicing taekwondo —
a decision that completely changed my life.
What started as a way to strengthen my health
quickly grew into a deep passion for sport.
Through taekwondo, I discovered discipline,
confidence, and the joy of competition. Over
time, my dedication and hard work transformed
this interest into a professional career, giving
me the honor of representing my country on the
international stage.
This journey showed me that sport is not only
about winning medals but also about building
character, resilience, and lifelong values.
Sport has shaped every part of my life. It gave
me discipline, resilience, and the ability to set
goals and work tirelessly to achieve them.
Through taekwondo, I learned how to overcome
challenges, manage pressure, and stay
motivated even in the face of setbacks such as
injuries or defeats.
Beyond personal growth, sport opened doors to
incredible opportunities — from representing my
country on the Olympic stage to connecting
with athletes from different cultures and
backgrounds. It taught me the true meaning of
respect, friendship, and solidarity, values that
extend far beyond the field of play.
Most importantly, sport has inspired me to give
back. It has motivated me to serve as a role
model for younger athletes and to advocate for
a safer, more supportive sporting environment.
Sport has not only defined my career but also
shaped the person I am today.
If elected to the ISSA Athletes’ Commission, my
top three priorities would be:
Advocating for Athletes’ Rights – Ensuring that
athletes’ voices are heard and respected in all
decision-making processes, and that their
rights, well-being, and career development
remain at the center of ISSA policies.
Promoting Safe Sport – Raising awareness and
supporting initiatives that protect athletes from
harassment, abuse, and unsafe practices, while
fostering a sporting culture built on respect,
fairness, and safeguarding.
Empowering Women Athletes – Actively
encouraging and contributing to the
participation of women, especially in Islamic
countries, by promoting equal opportunities,
visibility, and recognition for female athletes
across all levels of sport.
Through these priorities, I aim to build a
stronger, safer, and more inclusive environment
where every athlete can thrive.
Professional, Reliable, Resilient.
I am deeply passionate about sport. It has
shaped my life, taught me discipline, resilience,
and respect, and given me the opportunity to
represent my country with pride. Beyond
competition, I am passionate about how sport
can inspire communities, empower young
people, and promote values such as fairness,
equality, and solidarity. Sport is not only my
career but also my lifelong commitment and
source of motivation.
The athletes’ voice is important to me because
athletes are at the heart of the sporting
movement, yet too often their perspectives are
not fully heard in decision-making. As someone
who has lived the realities of training,
competing, and overcoming challenges, I know
that policies and initiatives are most effective
when they reflect athletes’ true needs and
experiences.
By ensuring that athletes have a strong and
respected voice, we create a culture of fairness,
transparency, and trust. It allows us to protect
athletes’ rights, promote safe and equal
opportunities, and shape a sporting
environment where every athlete feels valued.
For me, amplifying the athletes’ voice means
building a future in sport that is stronger, more
inclusive, and more sustainable.
