Azerbaijani wrestler Gezal Zutova, competing in the 87 kg weight category, shared her impressions of the ongoing 5th World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan and the challenges she faced in the traditional Kazakh wrestling style called "Alysh," where she managed to secure a bronze medal.
In an interview with Report's Kazakhstan bureau, Zutova praised the excellent organization of the games, stating that the athletes were provided with everything they needed and received any necessary assistance.
"We really liked Kazakhstan; I have visited both Almaty and Astana before. The people here are very kind and attentive to the athletes, providing them with any help they require. The organization of the competition is excellent," Zutova said.
The seasoned athlete, with 25 years of experience in sports, revealed that she faced some difficulties in her bouts due to the significant weight difference between her and her opponents.
Zutova, weighing nearly half of her Kyrgyz opponent (130-140 kg), was placed in the highest weight category of 87+ kg.
"I couldn't even move her from her spot," she explained, referring to her defeat in the third bout.
Despite the challenges, Zutova and her teammate secured two bronze medals for Azerbaijan in the Alysh wrestling competition. She noted that the World Nomad Games attracted the world's strongest wrestlers from countries like Japan, China, and the United States.
The first day of the 5th World Nomad Games brought four medals to Azerbaijan's national team: two silver and two bronze. A total of 50 people from Azerbaijan, including athletes in strength sports, arrived in Kazakhstan's capital to participate in the games, which feature 2,500 athletes from 90 countries worldwide.