A serious incident occurred during a sambo training session when a seven-year-old student was seriously injured under the supervision of Mehman Khalilov, a noted European Games bronze medalist who has represented Azerbaijan on the national sambo team. Reports indicate that the child sustained a fatal injury after a technique used during practice. The young student was immediately transported to Sumgait City Children’s Hospital, where the medical team was unable to save him.
Authorities say Khalilov is a suspect in the case. The Sumgait city prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation under Article 126.3 of the Criminal Code, which addresses intentional grievous bodily harm resulting in the death of a victim due to negligence. The investigation is focused on understanding the sequence of events during the training session and identifying any safety violations that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Khalilov has a noted competitive history, including a bronze medal at the European Championship in 2018 and a World Cup title. He has been affiliated with Azerbaijan’s national sambo team, a fact that underscores the significance of this incident within the sport and the country’s athletic community.
The case has drawn attention to the safety measures in place for youth training programs in combat sports and has prompted conversations about coaching protocols, supervision ratios, and the appropriate use of techniques with young athletes. Investigators and officials continue to review records from the training session, including the coaching methods employed and the equipment used, to determine whether formal guidelines were followed and whether any preventable harm occurred.
In the broader context, this incident raises questions about safeguarding young participants in high-intensity sports. Sports organizations emphasize the need for clear age-appropriate technique guidelines, certified coaching, and robust medical readiness during practices and competitions. As the legal process unfolds, families, coaches, and officials are likely to reassess safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Earlier reports referenced the death of a well-known journalist and CSKA supporter, Andrei Malosolov, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and accountability in the public sphere. While the two matters are unrelated, they contribute to a wider discourse about risk, responsibility, and the duty to protect individuals in various environments.