Idman.biz
The successes of Azerbaijani judokas in recent years have become systematic. Behind every medal is the hard work of the coaching staff. One of the architects of these successes is Elkhan Mammadov, the head coach of the men's national judo team and world champion.
İdman.Biz presents a conversation with the living legend of Azerbaijani judo.
- Elkhan Mammadov today and 20 years ago – what is the main difference?
- Nothing has changed, just the time and the color of my hair (laughs). My character and goals are the same. Before, I wanted to win myself, and now I want my trainees to do it.
- You are characterized as a very patient and calm person. Have you always been like this?
- We've known each other for many years, have I changed? I try to control my nerves. If the problem doesn't depend on me, I wait patiently. If it does, I solve it calmly. The main thing is that emotions don't overwhelm reason.
- Your main opponent in your weight category was temperamental. He is still on the tatami, and you finished your career eight years ago. What are your relations like?
- If we are talking about Elmar Gasimov, there is an eight-year age difference between us (laughs). There are no problems. Our relationship is built on mutual respect within the classic "coach-athlete" framework.
- Can rivals in the same weight class be friends?
- That's a difficult question. Perhaps friendship is not easy. But respect should be above all else. Rivalry ends on the tatami.
- If it wasn't judo, what field would you choose?
- I have never thought about it. But I am sure that if I were in any field, I would be successful. I am a purposeful person.
- In what area do you not imagine yourself?
- In show business. I have friends, but that environment is not for me.
- If you had the opportunity to change the rules, what would you bring back?
- The old ratings. "Yuko" is back, but I would also like the restoration of "koka". This is important in terms of efficiency. I think judo is gradually returning to its roots.
- Does getting married interfere with results in individual sports?
- There is such an opinion. But everything depends on the character of the athlete and his spouse. A woman has a strong influence on an athlete. If there is understanding and support at home, the result will not decrease. If there is tension and scandal, a decline is inevitable.
- You became a world champion when you were single, and after you got married, you "only" won European gold. Is there a connection?
- In my case, the reason was injuries (laughs). On the contrary, my wife's support helped me become a European champion at the age of 35.
- But you couldn't win a medal at the Olympics...
- I was facing future Olympic champions. In 2008 I lost to Irakli Tsirekidze, in 2012 to Song Daenam. I lost to the strongest.
- Your work with Zelim Kotsoev was not widely publicized. What is your contribution to the success of the gold in Paris?
- Zelim Kotsoev has been training with me since 2018. I explained my mistakes to him so that he wouldn't repeat them. He was not psychologically ready in Tokyo. Before Paris, we tuned him to believe in victory in any circumstances. For me, mental strength is more important than physical fitness.
- Our champions have not been able to repeat their titles. Is the reason awards?
- No. Everything depends on ambition – do you just want to be a champion, or a legend? I tell Zelim that he must defend his title in Los Angeles.
- Who has a better chance of becoming a two-time champion in Los Angeles – Kotsoev or Heydarov?
- I think both of them do. The main thing is to stay away from injuries. The word "legendary" suits both of them.
