Rustam Alimli: "We expected more medals at the European Championship"

Rustam Alimli, the head coach of the Azerbaijan national judo team composed of young men, expected more medals from the athletes at the European Championship.

The expert gave an interview to "Report" about this.

He shared his thoughts on the competition held in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia:

"We expected more medals. But this is judo. Competition is very strong this year. We could not get awards in other weights due to minor mistakes. But it's not a problem. Our athletes are promising and strong. Everyone knows our judokas. Those who did not win medals are also titled athletes. I believe they will achieve better results in the future."

R. Alimli considered it gratifying that athletes in the 60 and 66 kg weight categories achieved high results:

"They convinced us that they will have their say among adults as well. The trend shows it. Our main goal is to train athletes who can compete in adults. We see these athletes as well. There are three weeks left until the World Championship in Peru. We will hold discussions with coaches and the performance director. We will work on the mistakes. Probably, there will be changes and reductions in the team as well. I believe that our athletes who did not win medals will perform successfully at the World Championship."

It should be noted that the Azerbaijan national team completed the European Championship with 3 medals. Nihad Mamishov (60 kg) and Mahammad Musayev (66 kg) won gold medals by defeating all their rivals. Nizami Imranov (66 kg) finished the tournament with a bronze medal. With 2 gold and 1 bronze medals in its asset, the Azerbaijan national team took the first place among boys in the competition of 43 countries.