Idman.biz
The Azerbaijani national weightlifting team finished its performance at the European Championships in Batumi with one small silver medal. This award was won by Isa Rustamov (71 kg) in the clean and jerk.
The head coach of the team, Sardar Hasanov, commented on the results of the tournament in an interview with Idman.Biz.
- How do you assess the team's results? Which athletes lived up to expectations, and who disappointed?
- The federation leadership created all the conditions for preparation, so we had no problems in this regard. Isa Rustamov has won silver at the European Championships for the second year in a row - we expected this result from him. Tehran Mammadov and Ali Shukurlu competed in Group B; they need time to adapt to their new weight categories. We understood that too.
But Ravin Almamammadov's injury really ruined all our plans. Although he is the youngest athlete in his weight, he was our main hope for a gold medal. Unfortunately, no one is immune to injuries in weightlifting. Ravin is currently under medical supervision, and we hope that he will recover soon and return to the ranks.
- There was an impression that if Rustamov had not failed in the clean and jerk, he could have fought for a medal in the total of the two movements.
- You know, you can't always repeat the weight you lifted in training at a competition. You only have six attempts in competition mode. It is very difficult to do everything perfectly when maximum weights are ordered - that is the peculiarity of our sport.
- What is the main focus in preparing for major competitions: psychology, physical fitness, or a strict diet?
- All of these components are important in a complex way. Nutrition, vitaminization, and the training process were at a high level for us. Again, if Ravin had not been injured, we would have returned from Georgia with better results.
- What are the team's prospects for the World Championships in China in October?
- We plan to approach the tournament in optimal shape. The competition there will be many times tougher than the continental championship. Specific expectations can only be discussed after the final composition is determined. It is too early to make predictions now.
