Azerbaijani judoka's main rival: I want to gain my second consecutive title in Baku

Baku. 5 September. REPORT.AZ/ "As an athlete preserving the title of the champion, I want to repeat my performance in Budapest and gain my second consecutive title’, member of the Japanese team Soichi Hashimoto said in his interview to the International Judo Federation’s website while speaking about his goal at world championship to be held in Baku.

The 27-year-old judoka (73 kg), who won a gold medal in Budapest in 2017, said that it is difficult not to feel any pressure at such a competition. He said he tries to enjoy every tournament: "I have many rivals. But I do nothing to prepare individually against them. My best preparation is thinking 'I will be the champion'. As I am considered a favorite, it is difficult not to feel any pressure in such a competition. Therefore, I accept pressure and try to enjoy the tournament. I have many friends in the world of judo. I am happy in terms of working and sharing purposes with them. I’m grateful to everyone – my parents, friends, fans, those who support me for being in an atmosphere that I can adjust to the judo’.

Soichi Hashimoto won the world championship in 2017, Asian championship in 2016, bronze medal in the 2015 Asian Championship, 6 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals in the Big Helmet tournament. In last year championship final he beat Azerbaijani judoka Rustam Orujov.