Elmin Aliyev: About Victory, Lankaran, and Future Plans

Only one member of the Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestling team managed to win a gold medal at the U-23 European Championship held in Serbia.

Idman.Biz presents an interview with the tournament winner, Elmin Aliyev.

- You are 20 years old. Do you consider this success the biggest event in your life right now?

- Undoubtedly. This is not just a sporting result, but a very important stage that gives great motivation to move forward. This is the most significant achievement I have achieved to date.

- Your name is quite different. Who chose it and what do they call you at home?

- My grandmother gave me the name. At home, they just call me Elmin - no abbreviations or nicknames.

- Who was the first to congratulate you on your victory?

- My relatives called me immediately after the final. Everyone was very happy and hearing their voices at that moment was more important to me than anything else.

- Are they more happy about your success in your native Lankaran, or are there those who are jealous?

- I believe that many sincerely rejoice, but it is impossible to look into everyone's heart. I try to be surrounded by people who support me.

- How did you celebrate the victory? Was there the traditional champion champagne?

- There was no limit to my joy, I celebrated on the carpet for a long time - it is difficult to express these feelings in words. As for alcohol, this is not my way. I don't even touch it in the most solemn moments.

- Whose contribution do you consider to be the greatest in this gold medal?

- Victory is never the work of one person. My family has gone through a lot for my career and has always been there for me. My coaches believed in me even during periods of injury and failure. Thank God I was able to live up to their trust.

- Which of the countries you have traveled to for competitions impressed you the most?

- Every place is beautiful in its own way, but none can replace Azerbaijan.

- Can any of the foreign cities be compared to your homeland?

- Frankly, I wouldn't compare it that way. I was born and raised in Lankaran. It is more native and valuable to me than any corner of the world.