The interview of Islam Abbasov (87 kg), Greco-Roman wrestler of Azerbaijan national team to Idman.biz.
- You won the Azerbaijan Championship at 87 kg. How do you rate the competition in the race?
- The main weight athletes did not wrestle. I participated at the insistence of the coaches. I knew from the beginning who would resist the most.
- What are your expectations from 2024?
- I was injured last year. However, during the recovery period, I was 5th in the World Championship. I hope to do better in the new year.
- World champion Rafig Huseynov told Idman.biz in an interview that he will change his weight and wrestle at Olympic weight - 87 kg. How did you consider it?
- I heard, I know. I don't want to say too much about it, everything will be clarified on the carpet. He came and felt welcome. It means competition. Where there is competition, there is growth. I don't say anything anymore. Everything will be clear at the race in Croatia in 12 days.
- In 2018, you lost to him in the Azerbaijan championship. Do you think you will be stronger than Rafiq in the fight for the license?
- Yes, I lost to Huseynov in 2018. But even before that, I won the tournament in Turkiye against Rafig.
- Then the first competition of the year - "Zagreb Open" is very important. What will be your main goal in Croatia?
- This is our selection tournament. My preparation is going well. My main goal is to perform very well there.
- Do you believe that you will win a license for the Paris-2024 Summer Olympic Games?
- There was a lack of confidence after the injury. But this is gone now. It took some time because it was a serious injury. It takes 3-4 months for me to regain my full form. I believe that I will perform well in the license tournament in Baku and earn the right to participate in Paris-2024.
Emin Aga
Idman.biz
