Joshgun Azimov: I won World Cup in US through my blood - VIDEO - INTERVIEW

Baku. 13 April. REPORT.AZ/ Report News Agency presents an interview with Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler Joshgun Azimov, who won all the matches in the US World Cup.

- How did you choose wrestling?

- I started wrestling in 2002 in Imishli city. I was training in the gym. My first trainer was Galib Shukurov. I chose wrestling because of him. I'm grateful to him for everything. He trained me as a real wrestler.

- How do you evaluate your performance in the World Cup?

- In the World Cup, our opponents were challenging. Our first meeting was against Cuban wrestlers. I finished my fight with a score of 7: 3. Then, I defeated my Kazakh opponent. I also won him in the previous two meetings. I was so worrying about loss. As a result, I beat my rival 7: 0 ahead of time. I won the Mongolian wrestler with a score of 9: 4 in the semi-final. In the final, our opponents were US wrestlers. Their athletes were very strong. We really wanted to be a champion. Although my meeting with James Green ended with a score of 4: 4, I was declared the winner. This meeting was very tough. My team needed points to become a champion.

Though, my opponent was silver and bronze prize-winner of the last world championships, I did my best. But as a whole team we lost to the United States 4: 6 and became second in team scoring. In the final we were treated unfairly. They made Jabrail Hasanov lose. Haji Aliyev had an injury. We must not allow ourselves to be discouraged. Second place also a good result. I did my best. 4 victories in all of the matches.

- Though you had a cut around eye during meeting with James Green in the last match, you continued to wrestle. What did you feel at that moment?

- I had eyebrow cut in second round. I felt it bleeding. But the victory was very important for me and I was just thinking about it. I continued wrestling till the end. Team needed points. I won it through my blood. After the victory doctors stuck my eyebrow. Injuries for victory is also pleasing to the person. But I was thinking about victory and I succeeded.

- Did doctors want to stop that meeting after your injury?

- No, myeyebrow was cut at the end of the fight. There were 20 seconds left. I fought while bleeding. In 10 seconds before the end of the fight my opponent had put pressure on me. But, keeping the score, I managed to win.

- The European Championships is ahead. How do you assess your chances to go to the Russian city of Kaspiysk?

- First Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation and head coach of our team Firdovsi Umudov said that I must participate at this competition. I joined the squad for the World Cup test. In the US, myperformance was good. I think I must go to the European Championships.

- Was the successful performance at the World Cup an impetus for participation at the European Championships?

- Of course. As if I went to that competition for a license and passed the test well.

- However, in your weight category, the performance of the Olympic champion Togrul Askerov is possible, the term of punishment for doping is completed ...

- Togrul did not perform for some time because of injury. He has already started training. He is in very good shape. Actually, I must speak, but Firdovsi Umudov will make the last decision.

- In which weight category will you compete in the licensed competitions of Olympics?

- At the Olympics there is no weight category of 70 kg. From next year the rules will change. In each weight category there were concessions of 2 kg. Athletes in the weight category of 70 kg could meet 72 kg athletes.

This rule will be canceled next year. I will fight in the 74 kg weight class. I think it will be easy for me. Now my weight is a little lower.

- Two-time European champion Jabrail Hasanov can compete in licensing competitions...

- Hasanov is fighting in the weight category of 79 kg. 2 more years ahead. Weight can change. It is impossible to know this in advance. There are two national championships before the licensed competitions.

- Do you think your success in the World Cup will be sustainable?

- I believe in myself. In my opinion, everything will be fine. We suffer many difficulties. The main thing is that our efforts will not be in vain.