Azerbaijani jiu-jitsu fighter Emil Gurbanov has become world champion for the second time, winning gold at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. He first claimed the title in 2019. Speaking to İdman.Biz, Gurbanov reflected on his latest triumph and the challenges he faced at the tournament.
“At the World Championships, I faced opponents from Bangladesh and Mongolia, while in the final I fought an athlete from Romania. He was a very strong opponent. I had lost to him twice, including at the 2022 World Championships, where I finished with a silver medal. But thanks to my training and by making the most of my strengths, I managed to win,” he said.
Gurbanov said he had always dreamed of becoming a world champion and has now achieved that goal more than once. He added that his love for the sport and his country motivates him to continue competing for medals.
“What drives me is my love for jiu-jitsu. This sport has become a part of me. Over time, you develop a certain attachment to it, almost a positive addiction. I am also motivated by the opportunity to represent my country. Especially in memory of our martyrs, veterans and everyone who gave their lives for our homeland. I feel proud when my performances lead to the Azerbaijani anthem being played and our flag being raised,” Gurbanov said.
The world champion is an athlete with the Sports Society of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and also works as a coach. He assessed the level of Azerbaijan’s younger generation of jiu-jitsu athletes.
“We have athletes who specialise in the fighting discipline. There are not as many of them as in other disciplines, but those we have are at a good level. In Europe, and especially in Japan, the sport is more developed than it is here. But if we continue to make progress, our athletes will be able to compete on the world stage and represent our country with distinction,” he said.
According to Gurbanov, jiu-jitsu is a sport suitable for everyone. He also explained its connection with judo.
“Jiu-jitsu is a broader system that includes various self-defence techniques. Its skills are used by police and other law-enforcement agencies. Jiu-jitsu includes many striking techniques and dangerous elements. These were removed and judo was developed on that basis. That is why the two disciplines have evolved alongside each other,” Gurbanov said.
