Azerbaijani Greco-Roman Olympic Champion: This time, I'll take what is mine

At the last tournament in Hungary, you were not very successful. What was the reason?

This tournament was just a stage of preparation. I needed to feel myself in a new 74 kg weight category. The result was not very important. Another thing is this year's championship of Europe, which stands next to the World Cup.


For a two-time world champion like youself, will this European Tournament be of even more importance, isn't it?

I see your point. I've yet to become a European champion, although i've won two golden medals. So far all my attempts at the continental championship were unsuccessful.

What is the reason - bad luck or underestimation of the opponent?

Well, there's no opponent underestimation, that's for sure. Euro Championship is not much inferior to the World championship, since our main rivals are from Europe. This time, i believe i'll take what is mine.

After the introduction of new rules, did you have any problems with the training?

Recently, the fight rules change very frequently, but all competitors are equal to one another. An  athlete has to adapt quickly to innovations.


What changed in your life, after winning the second World Championship?

People started to expect more from me. It's sometimes hard, when each time someone expects a golden medal from you.

If you become the European Champion, what might be the next career goal?

So far I'm preparing for the Euro. What will happen after that, I do not know. I must say that athletes are no different from ordinary people.


/Azerisport/