Rafael Aghayev hit gold medal of the 51st European Karate Championship in Monpelje, France. He was a part of the Azerbaijan national team at the contest joined by 437 challengers from 46 countries.

The Gabala hero beat Serxi Herver from Andorra 5:0, Stefan Pokorny 4:0, Qabor Harspataki from Hungary 1:0 before defeating Logan da Costa from France 6:0.

In the all-important match, he beat also Turkish challenger Erman Eltemur 3:0. The result was his 13th triumph in the continent.