The main focus could be on the upcoming Olympic Video games and the doable champions of 2024, however what of those that have come earlier than? Staff Azerbaijan are coming to Paris with a robust arrange, one being Hidayat HEYDAROV within the -73kg class. On this previous cycle, he has been coached and supported by one among Azerbaijan’s most adorned judoka; Elnur MAMMADLI, who claimed the 2008 Olympic title in Beijing in the identical class.
Profitable within the Olympic Video games holds its personal magnificence, and observing the Video games from the stands carries a unique magnificence. Watching Azerbaijani judoka within the Olympic Video games provides an additional layer of accountability. If you’re on the mat, you’re feeling a singular accountability, however the weight of accountability intensifies whenever you’re watching the athletes of the nationwide staff compete.
The largest dream of each athlete is to develop into an Olympic Champion, and I turned one among these athletes. I skilled very difficult but honorable paths to achieve the head of this Olympic occasion. The Korean athlete was somebody I significantly revered. Earlier than our remaining assembly, we had crossed paths on the World Championship in Rio de Janeiro in 2007, the place I suffered defeat and secured the second place. Nevertheless, I motivated myself, vowing to attain victory within the Olympic Video games.
Destiny had it that we each reached the ultimate, and I reminded myself that this wasn’t the World Championships, an annual occasion, however the Olympic Video games, held each 4 years. I couldn’t miss this chance, so I ready extensively. As you possibly can see, the match didn’t final lengthy – solely 9 seconds – and I gained with the ippon. It’s an indescribable feeling.
Since this nice accomplishment, Staff Azerbaijan have been awaiting a gold medal within the Olympic Video games, with some shut calls from the likes of Rustam ORUJOV, they’re hoping 2024 will change the tides.
As you understand, judo in Azerbaijan lacked an Olympic Champion medal for a few years. In 1992, Nazim HUSEYNOV turned an Olympic Champion, marking Azerbaijan’s first medal of this type. After 16 years, I adopted swimsuit. It’s not by likelihood that 16 years have handed from 2008 to 2024 with out one other Azerbaijani Olympic champion. I firmly imagine that Azerbaijan will produce future Olympic Champions in judo.
Mammadli didn’t develop into a nationwide coach, as a substitute he now holds the title of Vice President for the federation, however he has essentially the most beneficial expertise and experience to advise a future champion, which is what he has been doing with Heydarov. We’ve seen a metamorphosis on this athlete, already a terrific expertise, however to tackle such a profitable streak is unimaginable, and to take the European and World title within the run as much as the Olympic Video games is sensational.
My motivation stems from having traversed these paths myself, understanding the intricacies of this journey. Having reached the head of the Olympic Video games, I need my athletes to profit from my data – the paths I’ve trodden, the secrets and techniques, and all of the nuances. Azerbaijani athletes attaining Olympic Champion and medallist standing are our nice wealth. After all, when Hidayat and our different athletes develop into Olympic Champions, the important thing issue is an individual’s patriotism. If somebody loves their nation and their state, they naturally want for the athletes following them to develop into European, World, and Olympic Champions.
With the belief of our federation’s management, I stay linked to judo, imparting my data to athletes, attending competitions, and supporting them. When our athletes struggle on the tatami, I mentally struggle alongside them from the stands, envisioning my return to sports activities. In my thoughts, my psychological state is that I’m not distant from sports activities; I’m nonetheless immersed in it. The essence of sports activities is that I’m one with them – I take into account myself judoka alongside them, celebrating every victory as my very own and feeling their defeat as my very own.
This remaining preparation is vital, so what’s the mindset because the athletes enter the village and put together of their remaining days?
After all, everybody needs so that you can develop into an Olympic champion. It’s a phrase everybody utters. Nevertheless, knowledgeable strategy is essential. It’s advisable to distance your self from the group as a lot as doable. If you’re surrounded by everybody, you’ll hear that phrase repeatedly. But it surely’s important to attempt to stand aside a little bit, with fewer individuals in your sight. On that particular day, after 4-8 years of sports activities coaching and achievements, you have to be in peak situation. By listening to the recommendation of sensible people and heeding your coaches, you’ll ascend to overcome that peak.
Mammadli gained in large vogue, a nine-second gold medal contest to place him within the historical past books, what does he bear in mind of that fateful day?
After profitable the gold medal, essentially the most vital change for me was seeing President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on TV. I all the time had this childhood dream of seeing him up shut. Because the Olympic Champion, my dream got here true. From our first assembly, our head of state, together with Mehriban ALIYEVA and our First Vice President, attended each match of mine, turning every encounter in to a celebration. It was a double pleasure for me – changing into an Olympic Champion and receiving a flower from the top of the nation. Each Azerbaijani feels immense happiness when the nation’s chief makes such a gesture.
There was additionally an emotional aspect to this,
The best happiness, nevertheless, was when the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan personally known as my mom to convey type phrases about me, stating that her son is a hero. Making my mother and father proud is, in my opinion, the best pleasure for any youngster. Upon returning to Azerbaijan from the Olympic Video games, it was the top of the nation who mentioned, ‘You’ll return to Azerbaijan with my personal airplane and alongside me.’ This second marked a big chapter in my life, a narrative I’ve been sharing for 16 years and can proceed to recount to my grandchildren. In essence, I imagine there is no such thing as a better happiness in my life, and nothing compares to this extraordinary expertise.
Writer: Thea Cowen
Share
Tweet
Telegram
WhatsApp
E-Mail
