The international sports community has been rocked by a major controversy that calls into question the integrity of Paralympic competition. Shahana Hajiyeva, a judoka from Azerbaijan and gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, has been permanently banned after failing a new medical evaluation that revealed she does not meet the visual impairment criteria required to compete.

This Paralympic Gold Medalist Faked Her Disability and Was Banned for Life

It all began in the lead-up to the Para Judo World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, when 25-year-old Hajiyeva underwent a visual classification test. The results showed that her vision level did not comply with the medical standards for the J2 adaptive judo category, setting off alarms and leading to her lifetime disqualification. The decision was confirmed by the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan, which stated that it followed the findings of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).

While some experts argue the disqualification may be due to recent classification rule changes, others suggest the possibility of deliberate deception by the athlete. This is not the first time irregularities have surfaced in the Paralympic world. A notable example was the Spanish basketball team at the Sydney 2000 Games, disqualified for including players without intellectual disabilities.

Hajiyeva’s case comes amid a major overhaul of the Paralympic classification system. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, the former B1, B2, and B3 categories have been replaced by the new J1 (for blind athletes) and J2 (for visually impaired athletes) divisions. This reform aims to ensure a stricter and fairer system, excluding certain eye conditions that were previously accepted.

An IBSA report outlines new requirements for disability certification, with tighter protocols to prevent fraud. As a result, several athletes have been reclassified and removed from the Paralympic cycle. Cases like that of former British goalball player Karina Lang, who was reclassified and excluded from elite competition, highlight the human toll of these changes.

The Azerbaijani Paralympic Committee reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and international regulations, pledging to continue supporting clean sports. However, Shahana Hajiyeva, once seen as a symbol of perseverance, will now be remembered for one of the most controversial chapters in para judo history.