Canadian basketball player of Ganja Irshad Hant gave an interview to the press service of the club.
Idman.biz reports that he talked about his conversion to Islam, what he knew about Azerbaijan before transferring, and the factors necessary for success.
- How would you introduce yourself?
- People who have trouble pronouncing my name call me Iggy. I'm from Scarborough, east of Toronto. I started playing basketball seriously since I was 12 years old. Over the years I have improved my skills. At the age of 15, I left for the United States. I continued my education in California. Then I went to college. I started playing for the varsity team in Texas. Thus began my professional career.
- Your name was closer to us. What can you say about it?
- My name is of Eastern origin, it is a Muslim name. Like the famous boxer Muhammad Ali, I converted to Islam and changed my name to Irshad. My Turkish friend played a role in my conversion. I pray, I go to the mosque, I fast. I try to perform religious duties.
- What did you know about our country before coming here?
- Unfortunately, I did not have extensive information about Azerbaijan. All I knew was that it is close to Turkiye. But I don't regret coming here. It is a beautiful country. The food is delicious, the people are friendly.
- Wasn't it difficult for you to leave your loved ones and the life you had adapted to and come here?
- No, it was not difficult, because I left Canada for the United States when I was 15 years old. Since that time, I have become accustomed to solitude. I do this for my career. Living as an international player is different. You experience both sad and pleasant feelings. Of course, you are separated from your family and loved ones. The beutiful thing is that you are developing your career and experiencing innovation.
- What is special for you in Ganja?
- Maybe you will be surprised, but your food is special. Frankly, I love to cook. I love home cooking and healthy eating.
- What was the main reason why you became a basketball player and athlete?
- The main reason is the desire to keep my last name high and popular. I want my family to be proud of me. As a child, many things were out of reach for me and my family. At that age, I already realized that I can achieve everything I want only as an athlete.
- Was there a basketball player in your family before you?
- Yes. However, he was not engaged in a professional level like me.
- What is the biggest obstacle on the way to success in sports?
- I have witnessed it myself. The secret of success is to be mentally strong. Because there are so many difficulties that you must have spiritual strength to be able to withstand them all. Feeling confident means a lot. Don't be afraid to lose, fight. You have to try to be yourself.
- What psychological methods do you use to focus on success?
- I practice breathing exercises and yoga. Both methods serve to clear the mind, calm down, and especially to normalize the heartbeat. When you slow down your heartbeat, you see everything in real time. A lot of things that look fast aren't really that fast.
- What advice can you give to young basketball players, beginners in this sport?
- First of all, let them continue to love this sport. Let them show love for basketball. That's the main thing.
Idman.biz
