In 1998, when he was 18, he went to serve in Azerbaijani army in the Aşağı Əbdürrəhmanlı village of Fizuli Rayon.

On 4 February 1999, he was wounded by a bullet to the head by an Armenian sniper, while on a combat mission.

[5] In 2024, Ilham Zakiyev represented Azerbaijan at the Summer Paralympics held in Paris.

[7] In another decree issued on the same day, Zakiyev was also honored with the 2nd-degree Order for Service to the Fatherland.

[8] In 2008, Zakiyev received the Shohrat Order for his services in the development of Azerbaijani sport.