Former Azerbaijani judoka Orkhan Safarov recently participated in a children's judo camp held in Budva, Montenegro, under the auspices of the European Judo Union (EJU).
The European Championship winner, World Championship medalist, and Olympic participant shared his thoughts during a training camp, discussing his life after retiring from his competitive career and his return to judo through education and coaching, Idman.biz reports.
Safarov admitted that stepping away from active sports was a difficult transition: "When you stop practicing judo, your life changes completely. For 25 years, you wake up every day and go to training. But one day, you wake up, and there's nothing."
After facing this void, he found a way to return to his beloved profession: teaching judo and sharing his knowledge. "Now, my new goal is not only to compete but to understand and share the essence of judo."
He expressed great enthusiasm about joining the EJU children's camp: "I was very happy when EJU invited me. These kids are the future of our judo family. Maybe two or three of them will become Olympic champions, and they might remember our meeting here in the future."
The two-time World Championship medalist believes that it is especially important for young judokas to meet their heroes during events like the European Championship, which coincided with the camp: "It’s amazing for children to see and feel the energy and spirit of judo. Montenegro created a fantastic atmosphere at the competition, and the support from the fans was incredible."
Reflecting on his childhood, Safarov shared that he admired Japanese judo legend Tadahiro Nomura and Korean champion Choi Min-ho. In Azerbaijan, his idol was Elchin Ismayilov, a three-time European champion who trained at the same club.
Now, Safarov is working to pass on his passion for judo to children in Azerbaijan. "It doesn't matter whether they become champions; the important thing is that the children find happiness in judo. 'A happy child in sports grows into a healthy, smart person.'"
Safarov is also continuing his education. He currently teaches practical judo at the Azerbaijan Sports Academy and plans to pursue studies in sports management, with the goal of completing the "IJF Academy Level 2" coaching course by the end of this year. "Judo has given me everything, and now it’s time to give back," he says.
Idman.biz
