An Interview with Yashar Nasirov, honored coach and head coach of Ukraine’s Greco-Roman wrestling team, on his 60th birthday for Oxu.Az.
– When did you start wrestling, and what stages have you gone through as a coach?
– I started my career in Sumgayit under the guidance of Garib Aliyev. I began wrestling at the age of 18. In 1985, I became the youth champion of Azerbaijan at a tournament held in Khankendi. That same year, I also won the senior national championship. Afterwards, I received an invitation from Kyiv, I was 20 years old at the time. After moving to Ukraine, I broke a rib and had to quit wrestling altogether. Here’s an interesting fact: I was awarded the title of “Master of Sport” when I had already ended my career.
– What were the initial challenges you faced when you started working in Ukraine?
– There’s a strange attitude here. People often view those coming from Azerbaijan as market vendors or traders. They assume everyone who comes here is involved in commerce. Even when I was awarded the title of “Honored Coach,” some didn’t believe I was Azerbaijani. Officials from the federation said they’d been in charge for over 30 years, but it was the first time someone from Azerbaijan received this title. Although there are hundreds of Azerbaijanis working in high positions in Ukraine, we’re still often viewed through that narrow stereotype. I have nothing against market vendors, of course, but as a nation, it’s frustrating to be treated with such a generalizing mindset.
– What are the differences between Azerbaijani and Ukrainian wrestlers?
– Each country has its own sporting philosophy and training methodology. This is especially noticeable in Caucasus countries. In European nations, the approach is different. Azerbaijani athletes, for instance, show more tactical flexibility in their wrestling, and this also applies to Georgian, Armenian, Russian, and Ukrainian wrestlers. European wrestlers, on the other hand, prioritize physical strength. Their main goal is to defeat the opponent quickly. They don’t focus as much on tactics.
– Which Azerbaijani wrestlers do you admire?
– One of the wrestlers I admire most at the moment is Hasrat Jafarov. But he still has a long way to go. If he works hard, he can achieve great success. In my opinion, some Azerbaijani wrestlers deserve more attention from the Wrestling Federation, especially those competing in the heavyweight categories, as there are fewer athletes in that weight class.
– If you received an offer from the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, would you be interested in working there?
– Of course, I would. If I worked there, I would grow and succeed alongside the athletes. A coach develops through the achievements of their athletes. But I must admit, had I received such an offer when I was younger, I would have been more enthusiastic. I’m now 60. Moreover, I have a long-term contract with Ukraine’s Ministry of Sport. The people I work with signed that contract because of me, and it wouldn’t be right to leave them halfway.
– Are there any athletes or coaches from Azerbaijan that you would like to see as part of the Ukrainian national team?
– Yes, there are. I would like to see some of our athletes either as coaches or representing the Ukrainian national team. I’m particularly interested in working with young and promising athletes.
– As far as we know, today is your birthday. Congratulations and best wishes for a long life! What message would you like to send to your loved ones in Azerbaijan?
– I send my greetings to all Azerbaijanis, especially those from Sumgayit. I have warm and close relations with everyone currently working in the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation. I wish them all success in upcoming competitions. Thank you for remembering me on this special day!
Idman.biz
