Idman.biz
The tatami has repeatedly brought the Japanese athlete Soichi Hashimoto face to face with Azerbaijani judokas - Rustam Orujov and Hidayat Heydarov. The Japanese judoka won one of his four World Championship medals in Baku.
In an exclusive interview with Idman.Biz, Soichi Hashimoto recalled his memorable meetings with Azerbaijani judokas and did not rule out the possibility of visiting our capital again.
- Your last competition was the Tokyo "Grand Slam", where you took fifth place. Was the decision to end your career made after this, or was it formed earlier?
- The decision was gradually maturing. After Tokyo, I felt that physically I could no longer show the level that I had accepted for myself. I have always tried to fight beautifully, quickly, technically, but at one point you see that the recovery process slows down, the movements are not as sharp as before. The Tokyo tournament was a kind of final signal: I did everything I could and it's time to end the cycle as a sign of respect for myself and the sport of judo.
- You have won five medals at World Championships. One of them was the silver medal you won seven years ago in Baku. How do you remember that performance?
- The Baku tournament was very special for me. I felt the incredible energy of the hall – the fans in Azerbaijan are very emotional and love judo. At that time, I was at my peak and every meeting seemed to pass in one breath. Of course, it's a pity to miss the gold medal - I still remember the last moment of the final match with the Korean very well. But overall, this is one of the brightest tournaments of my life. It was in Baku that I realized that I could compete with the strongest and remain stable throughout the cycle.
- You have repeatedly fought against Azerbaijani judokas Hidayat Heydarov and Rustam Orujov. Are there any memorable moments from these matches?
- Yes, fights with them are always difficult and interesting. Orujov has incredible pace and pressure, he never gives the opponent a chance to relax. In 2017, in the final of the World Championship in Budapest, I won with great difficulty in extra time in our match.
Hidayat is a different type of opponent, more explosive. His ability to feel the moment is very accurate, and even a moment's delay can lose the match. When I went to the tatami, I understood that there was no room for error. It is this kind of competition that develops a person.
- After losing to Hidayat in the final of the Tokyo "Grand Slam", many expected you to face each other at the Olympics. However, you lost to the Frenchman Gaba in the 1/4 finals and eventually won a bronze medal. How disappointing was this result?
- Of course, I wanted to reach the final. The Olympics are special pressure and I wanted to show my best level. Maybe that desire was excessive. In the match with Gaba, I made a mistake in the "golden score" and could not change the course of the fight. But bronze is also a medal and I am proud that I pulled myself together and won it. There was disappointment, of course, but it was a good lesson: the most important thing is to remain calm and flexible in any situation.
- How do you think judo is developing now? Has it become more dynamic after the changes in the rules?
- Yes, judo has become much faster and more active. Changes in the rules force athletes to attack and build combinations. Many elements that slowed down the fight have been removed and watching competitions has become more interesting for spectators. Sometimes it seems that modern young people are already fighting at a pace that seemed impossible before. I am very happy that our sport is developing and becoming more attractive. This is very good for the future of judo.
- Next year, Baku will host the World Championship. Will it be possible to see you again in the capital of Azerbaijan?
- If the schedule allows, I would like to come - maybe as a guest, maybe as an analyst, maybe as a consultant. I have very good memories of Baku and I would be happy to be in this city again. But there is no concrete decision yet.
- So, you will stay in judo in some form?
- I want to devote more time to coaching. It is interesting for me to pass on experience to young judokas, especially to teach the details of the technique that shape the style. In addition, I want to rest a little, spend time with my family. Most importantly, I want to stay in judo. This is my life, my culture, my energy. Just in a new role from now on.
Zaki Feyzullayev
