Zeynab Sultanova: "My only rival is to force myself to be better than I was yesterday"

The Azerbaijani national shooting team has won its first medals at the European Championship held in Osijek, Croatia. Azerbaijani athletes have won silver and bronze awards. Zeynab Sultanova contributed to both successes: she won a silver medal in the duet with Ruslan Lunev, and together with Nigar Nasirova and Khana Aliyeva, she became a bronze medalist of the European Championship.

In an interview with Idman.Biz, Zeynab Sultanova shared her impressions of her performance at the European Championship.

- What did you feel after winning two medals?

- I have an infinite amount of emotions, thoughts and words. Because in these competitions I suddenly won medals in two events and fulfilled the standard of master of sports. This was my dream, the goal I have been pursuing for the last two years.

Together with Ruslan Lunev in the mixed team, we won a medal for the first time in an international tournament. Also, this was my first start in the "duet" event at a distance of 25 meters. It was a very tense final against the Czech team. It was a great experience for us. I continue to learn and develop. I experienced a lot of "firsts" at this European Championship, so these medals will always have a special place in my heart.

- Did you expect such a result when you went to the European Championship?

- I never set myself the task of scoring a certain number of points. I always have only one goal: to put my maximum strength in training in Baku, to work hard, and when the tournament day comes, to show all my potential, all my strength, courage and will. It is very important for me to maintain the correct technique, psychological stability and emotional balance. This is my main success. I love to fight. And in competitions, my only rival is to force myself to be better than I was yesterday.

- How do you assess your performance in individual competitions?

- I renewed my personal record in this tournament. In my first start at 25 meters, I was only three points short of reaching the final. However, I was satisfied with my technique. I still have room to grow. To maximize my potential, I need to work harder, train, and need support, time, international competitions and training camps.

- What is your next goal?

- In August, the European Championship among athletes under 23 will be held in Poland, and I will participate there. I will compete in three events - shooting at distances of 10, 25 and 50 meters. I am interested in developing in every direction, I enjoy it. Therefore, the European Championship was an important preparatory stage for me and gave me a great incentive. Before the next international start, we will have training camps and a serious preparation process.