Interview of freestyle wrestler of Azerbaijan national team Mahir Amiraslanov (57 kg) to Idman.biz website
- After a one-year break, you performed in the Azerbaijan Championship and finished the competition with a bronze medal. How do you rate the current form?
- Yes, after a long break, I took part in the Azerbaijan Championship and won a bronze medal. I think I'm in good shape and will go even higher.
- 2022 was marked by unpleasant events for you. You were accused of engaging in illegal drug trafficking, and you were detained as a preventive measure. Was it difficult to get back into wrestling after that?
- It was not so difficult to return after these problems. Because I am a professional athlete. My job is to wrestle. I want to properly represent our state and nation in big arenas.
- Did you have a meeting with national coaches and federation officials after your return?
- Yes, I met with the coaches and now I am a member of the national team. I have nothing else to do. I have been wrestling for many years and I am a professional in this business. I will be the same leader before I took a break. There is no person without mistakes, it was a mistake, it happened. It is not necessary to kick someone who has fallen, but to give them hand. I want the coaches of the national team to be with me as always, to believe in me. I will fulfill the expectations of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation.
- You said that you will be the leader again. Will you be able to do it with Islam Bazarganov, who is number one in 57 kg?
- Yes, Bazarganov is currently the leader in my weight class. Our score with him is 1:1. Hopefully, there will be a rematch. I will defeat him by a large margin.
- What can you say about other competitors?
- All my opponents should start to worry, because Amiraslanov is coming back. Let them know that I'm preparing hard and I won't take a chance on anyone. I will say my word again. I will perform well in big arenas. My goal is to win a license for the Paris-2024 Summer Olympic Games. I will do my best to achieve this.
- Do you consider yourself ready for this?
- No one in my weight group qualified for the Olympics. I will do it myself. I have a great chance to participate in the Olympic Games.
- Then we will be able to watch you at the European Olympic Qualifying tournament to be held in Baku?
- I will participate in the Olympic qualification competition in Baku. I will show myself at a high level in training, training camps, friendly meetings. I will achieve high level of achievements in competitions.
Emin Aga
Idman.biz
