Azerbaijan will host the III CIS Games in 2025.
The event brings together the best young athletes from CIS countries and several invited states, Idman.biz reports.
Hasrat Jafarov (67 kg), bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, three-time European champion, and two-time world championship medalist, knows well what it means to represent Azerbaijan and win at the CIS Games. He was the champion at the first CIS Games held in Kazan, Russia, in 2021 and also carried the Azerbaijani flag at the opening ceremony.
The III CIS Games will take place from September 28 to October 8 in seven cities across Azerbaijan. Ahead of the event, Hasrat Jafarov spoke to the press service of the Baku City Circuit about his sports journey and gave advice to the new generation of young athletes.
Hasrat, this year the III CIS Games will be held in Azerbaijan. How significant is this event for our country and young athletes?
It’s a huge event. The III CIS Games are a great opportunity for Azerbaijan’s young talents. I think our athletes should value this chance. It’s a great honor for them to represent our country at such a prestigious international tournament, especially at home.
What do you expect from our wrestlers?
Our youth are strong. I follow their training and believe they will show good results. The support of fans is a big motivation.
Could this also bring additional pressure?
For me, it was never pressure. On the contrary, the support from the stands always gave me strength.
What advice would you give to young athletes before the Games?
They should approach the Games with maximum responsibility. Every competition is a big responsibility. We represent Azerbaijan, and there is very little time left before the Games. They must be ready physically and mentally. I wish all Azerbaijani athletes success at the III CIS Games. This is a very important event for our country. I am confident the Games will be held at the highest level.
How do you remember the I CIS Games?
I became champion and was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. It was both a great responsibility and honor. I wanted to enter the ceremony as a gold medalist, and it happened because the wrestling competitions took place before the opening ceremony. I wanted to carry the flag as a champion. The competition was very tough, but I managed.
How have you changed in the last five years?
I have won many medals, took bronze at the Olympics in Paris, became a three-time European champion. But most importantly, I haven’t changed as a person. Although the Olympic medal is my greatest achievement, I don’t stop.
What is your next goal?
I want to become world champion. Then, I aim for gold at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
What motivates you in sports?
Results and my love for wrestling. It’s not just a job – it’s my lifestyle. When millions follow your success, you have no right to stop.
What would you say to beginner wrestlers?
You can’t get complacent after initial successes. Sports always require effort and hard work. If you don’t work on yourself, there won’t be results. Especially moving to the senior category is even more difficult. Always keep working on yourself.
Idman.biz
