Baku 10° C
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Baku. 27 December. REPORT.AZ/ Report News Agency presents interview with Natig Baghirov, new head coach of the Azerbaijani women's judo team
- How do you assess current squad of the national team?
- Unfortunately, at present, there is no optimal squad. But we will try to reach the maximum with the squad we have. We plan to select the strongest of the medalists in the Republic Championship together with our coaches and bring them to the team. We will have training camps and competitions in the future. Currently, 1-2 female judokas are at the European level. We also have to train athletes in other weight categories. At present, this issue is open. In existing conditions, we will also consider foreign candidates wishing to compete in the Azerbaijani national team. If their level is high, they will create a competitive environment in our country. There is rivalry at men's 73 kg and 100 kg weight categories. We also want women to compete in all seven categories.
- What options are there to strengthen the squad?
- We have less time, we have to hold talks. Unfortunately, 9 months left until 2018 world championship. During this period, we must find athletes to represent Azerbaijan at the highest level. The head of state and federation leaders spend much power and means for the development of sports and its remaining at high level. We also have to reciprocate it.
- Our goal is to have several strong judokas in all weight categories. It should be this way. For example, Japan has at least 10 world-class athletes in every weight category. Therefore, they gain a lot of medals. We should work for that. If absent, we should take the strongest to significant tournaments. The relatively weak judokas should compete in low-level tournaments to gradually develop, gain experience and turn into the leading ones in the future.
- When will your next training camp be?
- We will meet on January 3. The initial preparatory process will be held in Baku. During the year, we will have training camps in the countries, which we visit to take part in contests according to the schedule. We have all the conditions to prepare the team in the best possible way, and we will do our best.
