Interview of Elnur Mammadli, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, to "Report"

- Azerbaijani judokas finished the European Championship in Montenegro with 1 silver and 4 bronze medals. Can the results be considered satisfactory?

- Of course, it is a great achievement. The most important thing is that we won a medal in every weight category. Although the medals are silver and bronze. New names have emerged. For example, Yusif Ahmadov (60 kg), Zelim Tckaev (81 kg) became European third for the first time. Last year, Eljan Hajiyev won the European champion title in the 90 kg category. This time, Murad Fatiyev took third place in the same weight category. He wrestled heroically and was injured. Zelim Kotsoyev is our Olympic champion. It was his first competition after the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. His opponent in the final was the silver medalist of the Olympics. If a Georgian judoka reached the final at the Olympics, it means he is strong. This is sport, one wins, the other loses. We won the main fight, that is, a huge competition like the Olympics. As an Olympic champion and also as a vice-president, I can say that this medal is superior and more beautiful than the others. Although Zelim was second in the European Championship, he fought well.

- But women judokas showed poor results…

- Women judokas are developing. You know that we are running campaigns such as "White suits girls" and so on. We are trying to attract them to this sport. True, there are no results, but this is not the end. I hope that these shortcomings will be eliminated in the next competitions and our female athletes will prove themselves by winning gold medals at the world and European championships. Of course, this takes time.

- Did head coach Richard Trautmann report to the federation after these results?

- When it comes to reporting, I consider these results a great achievement. It is one thing to have a gold medal in one weight category and that's the end of it. But having a medal in every weight category is a good result. Hidayat Heydarov and Eljan Hajiyev did not wrestle at the European Championship yet. If they wrestled, we would have additional medals. Hidayat could not participate in the European Championship due to illness. The main goal for us is the health of the athlete. Life does not end with one competition. We will have tournaments in the future.

- In general, what are your thoughts on Trautmann's work in the national team?

- Of course, it's good. Trautmann is a good coach and performance director. In any case, it is good that he continues his work today.

- What is the latest situation of Hidayat Heydarov?

- It's good. If God wills and there is no trouble, he will compete in the world championship.

- It has been determined that Murad Fatiyev will not be able to participate in the upcoming world championship due to injury. Can his absence be considered a serious loss?

- Undoubtedly, he is the third of the last European Championship, a strong athlete. His absence is not in our hands. However, as a federation, we immediately intervened in the situation, and he is currently receiving treatment. The main goal is for the team to be fully matured by the 2028 Olympics. We have time, we will not be discouraged. Fatiyev will be given a separate training program. He will join the team after recovery.

- How do you assess our chances at the World Championship?

- I have never said the number of medals, and I will not say it. Because this is judo and nothing can be known in advance. In other sports, if you are 4 points behind, you can equalize the score again. But it is difficult in judo. You can lose with ippon when you are ahead in the score. Of course, we expect good performance and a gold medal from every athlete. Also, athletes from other countries train, analyze and prepare. I believe that national team members will represent our country with dignity.

- Some time ago, you were also awarded by the European Judo Union along with Zelim Kotsoyev, Hidayat Heydarov and head coach Richard Trautmann. What are your impressions about this?

- Of course, I am very happy and glad. As you know, Hidayat Heydarov was chosen as the strongest judoka in Europe. Richard Trautmann became the best head coach. We do not spare our knowledge and support from athletes. I am very happy that the Azerbaijani judo team has achieved such achievements. I do not pay so much attention to the award, the main thing is the achievements of our athletes.

Idman.biz