JUDO
FEDERATION

Eldos Smetov is an outstanding representative of a new generation of Kazakhstani judokas. He got onto the podium of the world youth championships twice, won gold and bronze medals and also became medalist of the major international judo events among adults. In his interview for liter.kz, Smetov, who takes the ninth place in the renewed world judo ranking list, expressed confidence in his ability to conquer new heights.

– Eldos, you were a step away from winning the World Masters tournament held recently in Tyumen. What you didn’t have to come out victorious over Brazilian Felipe Kitadai?

– I think I didn’t have luck. The first two bouts against strong competitors – FrenchSofiane Milous and Georgian Amiran Papinashvili were in my favor. I had a good start at such a prestigious tournament. I was confident that everything would be good eventually. Practically, it was not the way me and my trainers wanted it to be. During the bout against Brazilian Kitadai I had good chances to use effective techniques, however, I was caught by the counterattack of my opponent and as a result lost the bout for bronze. I hope I will be more prepared both in tactical and psychological context for such matches in future.

– What were the recommendations of your coaches before the fights against Kitadai?
– If I had followed all the recommendations, I wouldn’t have lost the fight, of course.

– You have performed at the official tournaments as a member of the national team of Kazakhstan since 2012. Do you feel ready to compete against the strongest tatami masters of the world?

– For one hundred percent. I am confident I can fight for the podium at the most important tournaments such as world championships, Asian and Olympic Games. Certainly, I still have a lot of work to do to achieve such goals, but it is impossible to reach success in sport without hard work. There is a saying “No pain, no gain”. My dream is to glorify Kazakhstan with my victories. I will work as hard as it is necessary to achieve these goals!

– Eldos, you are a representative of a new generation of Kazakhstani judokas, first world champion among youth. What helps our young judokas to successfully represent the country in international arenas?

– There are a lot of talents in Kazakhstan, especially in combat sports. Our coaches do great job, they devote their lives to sport despite different difficulties. I was born in Zhambyl region and began my career in judo in Taraz. My first coach was Akhmet Zhumagulov who trained me when I was five. Thanks to this man I achieved definite results in the national and international arenas. I would also like to express my gratitude to my other trainers – Galymzhan Zhilkeldiyev, Ermek Imanbekov, Vladimir Kichatov and others for their contribution to my development as a sportsman. The Kazakhstan Judo Federation helps a lot and creates all necessary conditions both for training and life.

Ilyas Otan