Sport24.az
Namig Guliyev, the head coach of the U15 national freestyle wrestling team, gave an interview. Sport24.az reports that the expert, speaking to the press service of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, said the following:
– How do you assess the U15 national championship held in Ganja Sports Palace in March? Were there any surprise names for you?
– It turned out as we expected. The difference was that some of the kids we expected to win the championship took 2nd-3rd places. Some of the favorites could not win the title due to injury. Before the national championship, we had determined a team of 10 people for the Gymnasiade held in Serbia. Only one of them did not live up to expectations in Ganja. That wrestler was the national champion and participant of the European Championship last year. He also dropped out of the competition early this time due to injury. Of the team intended for the Gymnasiade, 5 people won gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
– By the way, all our freestyle wrestlers who participated in the Gymnasiade climbed to the podium. The team you lead won 2 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Were you satisfied with the result?
– I consider our performance satisfactory. Wrestling countries such as the USA, Kazakhstan, Iran, Armenia, and Ukraine were represented in Serbia. In total, wrestlers from more than 20 countries competed. Five of our wrestlers reached the final. We could have won more gold medals. We lost the victory in the last seconds in two final matches.
– The main test for you will be the European Championship to be held in Italy on June 25-28. How is the preparation for the continental championship going?
– From May 24 to June 4, we will hold a training camp based on general physical training at the Khachmaz Olympic Sports Complex. After a 3-4 day break, we will go to Khachmaz again. From June 8 to 22, we will focus on tactical and technical exercises. After returning from Khachmaz, we will immediately leave for the European Championship. Considering the weather conditions in June, it is appropriate to hold a training camp in Khachmaz.
– Last year, you became the European champion in the team standings with 140 points. Will it be possible to defend the title?
– We will do our best to become champions again. It is true that Russia's results are not taken into account in the team standings. But if we take individual athletes, our main rivals are still our northern neighbors. Of course, we also consider the Georgian team a serious rival. I think we can win at least 6-7 medals. 3-4 of our wrestlers have the potential to reach the final. I think we will also have a gold medal.
