Idman.biz
Although the VI Islamic Solidarity Games continue, competitions in some sports have already ended and it is possible to evaluate the results. One of these types is athletics.
Idman.Biz presents its readers with a very sincere interview with Maxti Makayev, the head coach of our men's athletics team.
– At this Islamiada, five athletes under your leadership won five silver and three bronze medals. Was this result as expected?
– Yes, we were expecting medals from them. We were even expecting gold from Ravin Almammadov. But in the end, he came in second and won two medals - silver and bronze.
– What can you say about Dadash Dadashbayli?
– Dadash showed true sportsmanship! He performed after injuries, he had pain in his legs and back. He was not fully ready and, so to speak, competed with "spiritual and volitional strength". His two silver medals are worth "gold" for me. Isa Rustamov also performed well - he won two "bronze" and one "silver".
– How would you rate the team's result on a 10-point scale?
– Even if there was no "gold", the result is not bad. Azerbaijani athletics has never had such a result in the modern era of doping control.
– What were you dissatisfied with?
– More system. The distribution of awards given to athletes is not correct. Awards are given only for medals in snatch and clean and jerk at the Islamic Games. I would like this system to be applied to world and European championships as well - as is done in neighboring Georgia and Turkey. There are awards for various programs in swimming and gymnastics, but only biathlon is awarded in athletics. However, our athletes are mostly young people from low-income families. A professional athlete must earn money and support his family.
– Do you think an athlete should only perform for money?
– Yes, for a professional. Because this is his job. And money should be paid for the job. It is the same in other areas. The athlete has also dedicated his life to this job, and he has no other profession. Why does a person engage in professional sports?
First, to achieve success and be recognized. Second, to promote their people. Third, to raise the name of their country. Fourth, to earn money for his family and himself.
I myself earn money primarily for my work. Because I have introduced my people and my country enough - with the athletes I have trained. Today, my main goal is to form a worthy generation for Azerbaijan, to build a system that will bring success to the federation and the country.
– Speaking of the next generation, in which regions of Azerbaijan do you think there is potential for the development of athletics?
– There are enough successful athletes in the regions. For example, there are good coaches like Rayad in Gazakh and Shamsi in Goranboy. The leadership of the federation is also doing the right thing in this direction - thinking not only about today's results, but also about the future of athletics.
Vugar Vugarli
