Interview with Adil Osmanov, Azerbaijani-origin Moldovan judoka, bronze medalist at Paris 2024, and winner of European Cup, Grand Prix, and Grand Slam tournaments for Oxu.Az
You were born and raised in Moscow, but now you compete for Moldova. How did it happen that you started representing this country?
I began representing Moldova in 2017. The first two years were psychologically difficult. But when my family moved to Moldova, my adaptation sped up. Soon I joined the national team and started training under Duminica Valeriu’s guidance.
Did you come to judo on your own interest, or is it a family tradition?
It’s a family tradition; my father also practiced hand-to-hand combat.
You have many achievements: bronze medals at the European Championships for under-23 athletes in 2021 and 2022, victories in Grand Prix and Grand Slam tournaments, and an Olympic medal in Paris. What was the decisive moment on this path for you?
I think it was, first and foremost, the trust of my parents and coach. Without their support, I couldn’t have done it.
What was the most important moment for you in the 2023/24 season?
I would highlight three. At the 2023 European Championships, losing to my teammate in the fight for bronze. At that time, I accepted that most likely, he would go to the Olympics. But my coach told me I had to fight until the end, and that really motivated me.
Winning the Grand Slam tournament in Antalya. At that moment, I truly believed I had the chance to compete and fight for medals.
Until the very last moment, it wasn’t clear who would go to the Olympics. Then the coach suggested that Petru Pelivan and I decide ourselves. We could have held internal test matches, but it was more important to preserve team spirit. In the end, I went to the Olympics.
You competed at the Olympics with a shoulder injury and dedicated your medal to your father. What gave you strength at that moment?
The night before the Olympics, my temperature was nearly 40 degrees Celsius. The only thing that gave me strength was the memory of my father. Participating in the Olympics was his dream, but he couldn’t achieve it. I just wanted to step on the tatami. At that time, I wasn’t thinking about medals. Step by step, I reached the fight for bronze. I got injured in the fight against the Italian, but after such a tough path, I couldn’t give up. It didn’t matter whether I was injured or not, I had to go all the way. And I sincerely believe that, with the help of the Almighty, I succeeded.
After losing to Joan-Benjamin Gaba in the semifinal, how did you prepare for the bronze medal fight? Did you have a special strategy?
Yes, my coach and I analyzed the style of the Italians beforehand and prepared a precise plan for the fight. As a result, I managed to implement what we planned.
You have a law degree, currently study at Moldova State University’s Faculty of International Relations, and are a member of the Moldovan Azerbaijani Congress Council. How do you manage to combine sports and professional activities?
It’s not easy. I think the main thing is desire. You have to understand that there isn’t enough time for everything and set priorities. For me, sports come first; everything else is as much as I can handle. If I only focused on judo, I’d lose other skills. Moreover, a sports career isn’t eternal, it’s important to have knowledge and skills for the future.
You have Azerbaijani roots on your father’s side, and Moldova welcomed you with the Azerbaijani flag. What similarities and differences do you see between Moldovan and Azerbaijani cultures?
Our common traits are family values and hospitality. The differences relate to cuisine and religion.
Which judo techniques or qualities do you consider your strengths?
My strengths are my ability to analyze and my high psychological stability.
What methods do you use for physical and psychological preparation?
I pay attention to my psychological state the day before the competition. I write down my fears and anxieties, then work on them. Before the Olympics, I had about 30 such anxieties. It seems like a lot, but we aren’t robots, we are human, and anxiety is completely normal.
What would you say to young people from Azerbaijan and Moldova who are just starting judo?
Ask yourself: why are you coming to this sport? If the goal is serious results, then you need to believe and be patient. Remember that all trials and successes come from the Almighty.
What goals do you set for yourself now? Do you want to fight again for Olympic gold?
My main goal in sports is to realize my potential; everything else will happen as it will.
Idman.biz
