Interview with Azerbaijani referee Alakbar Hasanov, who ended his international career under the FIBA flag with Report news agency.
First, we would like to know your impressions about ending your international career. What feelings do you have?
Of course, I would have liked to continue, but age doesn’t allow it. Looking back, I’m satisfied with my career. I can say it was successful, and I am happy about that.
How do you remember the early stages of your refereeing?
When I started officiating international games and taking exams at FIBA, basketball in our country was not at a high level. There were neither coaches, players, nor referees, and the conditions were very poor. I started my career without anyone’s help, quickly gained experience, and got appointments for good games. Now, Europe recognizes Azerbaijan. In the beginning, people would ask which country I was from. When I said Azerbaijan, they didn’t know it and couldn’t even locate it on the map. I’m very happy to have been Azerbaijan’s first international referee. Now, five FIBA referees follow in my footsteps. I also thank the Azerbaijan Basketball Federation for their support, recently, they’ve brought new energy to our basketball.
When did you decide that this would be the end of your international career?
It became clear in mid-summer. I was in Serbia for another tournament and decided that the European Championship for boys under 16 in Georgia would be my last. I gave my best and served as head referee in all matches.
You also officiated the third-place game between Slovenia and Italy…
That was a very important match. They could have given me the final as well, but finals are not as critical in these tournaments since both teams had already secured medals. The third-place match was crucial because one team would leave empty-handed, and I was assigned that game.
What are your next goals?
I want to increase the number of basketball referees in Azerbaijan and ensure that they get appointments to European Championship matches like I did. I will work to have at least one referee from our country in the Champions League, which will take time. I will do my best.
Will new referees be recruited?
Yes, that is also one of our goals, especially in youth leagues. We need to open paths for them to the Azerbaijan Basketball League and FIBA tournaments. I participated in a FIBA seminar in Greece earlier this year as an instructor and conducted exams. I aim to raise the level of referees in our country and demonstrate it to the international federation. Afterwards, I could receive appointments as an instructor and evaluate referees’ performance in games.
Will you officiate in the next Azerbaijan Basketball League (ABL) season?
Yes, but I don’t know for how many more years. For now, my physical condition allows me. The number of referees is currently low. Once it increases, I’ll step back and focus on other work.
Will we see foreign referees in the league like last season?
I don’t want that. We never had such experience before. We invited foreign referees so young referees could gain experience from them. Next season, I don’t think we will use foreign referees. The ABL now has A and B groups, and we can invite young referees to the B group. I believe our own referees will manage the season’s games.
Idman.biz
