Idman.biz
In 2025, Azerbaijan will host the 3rd CIS Games.
Idman.biz reports that the competition is a major sporting event that brings together the best young athletes from the CIS countries and a number of invited states.
Hasrat Jafarov (67 kg), bronze medalist of the Paris-2024 Summer Olympic Games, three-time European champion and two-time world championship medalist, knows very well what it means to represent our country and win in the CIS Games. He was the champion of the 1st CIS Games held in Kazan, Russia in 2021 and carried the Azerbaijani flag at the opening ceremony.
On the eve of the 3rd CIS Games, which will be held in 7 cities of Azerbaijan from September 28 to October 8, Hasrat Jafarov spoke to the press service of the Baku City Circuit about his sports journey and gave advice to the new generation of young athletes.
- Hasrat, this year the 3rd CIS Games will be held in Azerbaijan. How important is this event for our country and young athletes?
- This is a very big event. The 3rd CIS Games are a great opportunity for young talents of Azerbaijan. I think our athletes should take advantage of this opportunity. They have been given a great honor - they will represent our country in a prestigious international tournament, in their homeland.
- What do you expect from our wrestlers?
- Our youth are strong. I follow their trainings and I believe that they will show good results. The support of the fans is a great motivation.
- Can this also cause additional pressure?
- This has never been pressure for me. On the contrary, the support of the stands has always given me strength.
- What advice would you give to young athletes before the Games?
- They should approach the Games with maximum responsibility. Every competition is a great responsibility. We represent Azerbaijan and there is very little time left for the Games. You need to be ready - both physically and mentally. I wish success to all Azerbaijani athletes who will participate in the 3rd CIS Games. This is a very important event for our country. I am sure that the Games will be held at the highest level.
- How do you remember the 1st CIS Games?
- I became a champion and was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. It was both a great responsibility and an honor. I wanted to go to the ceremony with a gold medal - and it was possible. Because the first day of the wrestling competition was before the opening ceremony. I wanted to carry the flag as a champion at the opening. The competition was very high, but I managed it.
- How has Hasrat Jafarov changed in these 5 years?
- I won many medals, I won the Olympic bronze in Paris, I became a three-time European champion. But the most important thing is that I have not changed as a person. Although my greatest achievement is my Olympic medal, I am not stopping.
- What is your next goal?
- I want to become a world champion. And then - a gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
- What motivates you in sports?
- Results and my love for wrestling. This is not just a job - it's my lifestyle. If millions are watching your successes, you have no right to stop.
- What would you say to new wrestlers?
- You should not be complacent after the first successes. Sports always require effort and hard work. If you don't work on yourself, there will be no results. This is especially difficult in the transition to the senior category. Always work on it.
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