Idman.biz
Former judoka Orkhan Safarov continues to develop his coaching career. The European champion, a two-time medalist of world championships, an athlete who participated in two Olympiads, who opened an academy named after him last year, has recently accepted an offer from Latvia. He is also preparing for the CIS Games as a "Sports Ambassador".
Safarov spoke about his current activities in an interview with Idman.biz.
- You have recently joined the coaching staff of the Latvian club "Kyodai". What will your responsibilities be?
- My main goal is to share the experience I have gained in the international arena over the years. At "Kyodai" I will help prepare leading athletes, build the training process and develop young people.
- What are the successes of the "Orkhan Safarov Academy" opened last year?
- The academy is developing very quickly. In the first year, stable groups of children and teenagers were formed, belt exams are held regularly, and our teams participate in international competitions. What I am most proud of is that the academy is not only a sports hall, but also a place where children learn discipline, respect and teamwork.
- After finishing your sports career, you spent several months in coaching courses in Japan, and there your view of judo completely changed. What do you apply from the Japanese experience in practice?
- Japan showed me that judo is not just a sport, but a way of life. There, more attention is paid to the athlete's inner state and philosophy. Now, in my work, I combine European training methods with a Japanese approach, trying to develop not only a strong judoka, but also a personality.
- You also conduct master classes within the framework of the European Judo Union. Are you used to the role of coach?
- This gives me great pleasure. When I see the burning eyes of young athletes and coaches and feel that my experience is useful to others, I get great motivation. Coaching is a responsible mission, I try to convey my knowledge in the most understandable and inspiring way.
- How do you assess the results of the national team in the first half of the season, including the European and world championships?
- The results are stable, but the team's potential is very high. There are bright victories and medals, but there are also points that need to be developed. The most important thing is that we see progress and that the work is going in the right direction.
- You are from the "Sports Ambassadors" team of Azerbaijan. Presumably, your next mission is the CIS Games. What do you expect from there?
- This is one of the main events of the year for Azerbaijani sports. I believe that our athletes will show a high level and represent our country with dignity.
- What are your plans for developing your career in the future?
- In the near future, I want to continue developing the academy, sharing my knowledge through master classes and international projects. My long-term goal is to influence the development of judo at the national and international levels by holding a leadership position in sports structures.
Zaki Feyzullayev
Idman.biz
