JUDO
FEDERATION

Silver medalist at the World Youth Sambo (Yugoslavia, 1994), the world champion among youth Sambo (Bulgaria, 1995), the Asian champion among adults Sambo (1995, 1996), bronze medalist of the World Cup among adults (Japan, 1996), master of Sports in judo.

Why did you start your career in sport?

- On the 5th grade I started Sambo. In 1994 I became the champion in my country among young people. Then took part in the World Championships in Yugoslavia, and took second place. In 1995 became the first among young people at the World Cup, as well as among adults, won the bronze medal. I took up judo later, started to train Azamat Mukhanov, who is well known as the silver medalist of the World Championships and bronze medalist of the Asian Games today.

And how did you notice Azamat?

- With Azamat we met through his brother, who, knowing my sports skills and experience, asked to train Azamat. Then I invited him to my home in Almaty, he stayed with me, and we trained hard. Azamat worked very hard, improving his skills, showed himself as a responsible and hard-working athlete.

Did you follow any specific rules, training Azamat?

-I think, to be a successful athlete, one of the useful thing is communication with experienced athletes, for example, we often meet with bronze medalist Smagulov Aydin, and with no less famous Donbay Bazarbekov, where they share useful information with younger generation. Also, try to organize the fight against strong opponents.

Everybody was waiting for "gold"from Azamat, in Incheon. So what was wrong with him?

- In sport you can never relax. Preparation for this kind of competition - great work. In these battles Azamat did not do his best.

Do you see any differences between yesterday’s and today’s judo?

- Comparing with “yesterday” , nowadays all conditions, discipline are adjusted, the rules are met, government provides considerable financial support. Athletes can only be engaged and show good results.

What exactly do you do now?

- It has been a year since I was a coach of women's youth team. Still a lot of work left. But the first results are already here. For example, at the national championships in Shymkent, our athlete from Astana Abilkadirova Aygerim, won a silver medal, and Kashkyn Zhanar was third.

Do you think judo popular sport among girls?

- Yes, but it is not high enough. I think that as an incentive is not enough financial support.

What can you advise to parents,since what age is supposed to be sensible to take judo fir kids?

- From an early age it is advisable to deal with the gymnastics or swimming, and after ten years it is possible to take up judo. Although I have a growing up son, Aydin, in honor of the bronze medalist Aydin Smagulova. He is four, from this age we are already doing judo.

Tell us about your coach ...

'I thank my personal trainer, Kokysbekov Bakhyt. We used to get up at five o'clock in the morning, the day began with a jogging, practicing three times a day, and I think for good reason. All our achievements – up to his efforts.

Does government and business community financial support?

Yes, of course, we are supported by President of Judo Federation Kenes Khamitovich and Akimat of West Kazakhstan region. Good results in the sport today are very dependent on financial support.

Thanks for the interview!