JUDO
FEDERATION

Asian champion among youth silver medalist of Kazakhstan among the youth, in 2013 he joined in the basic structure, and took part in the World Judo Championship in Chelyabinsk, where he was fifth on the list of the top 40 athletes of the world rankings.

Aybek will defend the honor of the country's Grand Prix in Budapest (Hungary) from 13-14June this year.

Tell us where you come from? How did youcome in Judo?

-I was born in the Atyrau region, Kulsary city. But all the time I lived in the city of Aktau. In 2002, when I was in the camp Tausamal I was a witness of training the team of Kazakhstan before the World Cup. While the national team led Manarbek Tautanov and Zhaken Salamatov and trained such famous athletes as Askhat Shaharov, Askhat Zhitkeev. Then Manarbek Tautanov advised me to do judo and go to the current personal coach Adil Beysenkuly. And I giving up karate began doing judo. In 2004, the father and sister Khalida first led me into the hall judo when I was 12 years old. After one year trainings I went to a school for gifted boarding school in Astana. So the second coach for me was Kabylhan Zhazanbek. In the beginning, I was a member of the junior team, then moved to the youth team, now, as you know, member of the first team.

You have already had an experience of participation in the tournaments of the world level, what can you say about the opposition from other countries?

- In the weight category up to 60 kg competition is very high. I would note judokas from Japan, Russia, Korea and Georgia. But we note that inside the country, including Kazakh judokas competition is very high. I think, weak opponent does not exist.

- Why did not you participate in the national championship last year?
- Head coach Ermek Imambekov gave participants an opportunity to decide about joining to the World Cup and the Asian Games on their own. I decided to participate, but only on the weight upper, but unfortunately before the Kazakhstan championships I broke my hand in the tournament "Grand Slam" in Abu Dhabi.

Which athlete can be noted as outstanding ones in the national championship in your weight class?

- In the weight category up to 60 kg in the finals there are Rustam Ibrayev and Askhat Telmanov. Also, we note the performance of the Contest participant Erkebulan Kosayev and brothers Guzman and Gumar Kyrgyzbaevs.

Do you think why could not you be a winner of the World Cup in Chelyabinsk?
- According to spectators and coaches in the fight against Takato I did "ippon", but the judges gave me "Vasari". My teammates Maksim Rakov, Azamat Mukanov who were watching it, told me that it was an "ippon". In such competition, I participated for the first time, probably due to lack of experience I have made mistakes. Next time try to prevent them.

Nevertheless, at the global level among adults this is your first start, are you satisfied with fifth place?
Yes, indeed among adults it is my first start, I certainly wanted medal. But, as they say, all in the hands of the God, and fifth place – is not too bad.

Tell us about the plans for the near future?
- On Camps in Japan, I was injured, but thanks to the leadership of the Confederation of combat sports and power sports and Judo Federation, I got a two-week course of treatment in Astana. And now, in the plans - to collect the most points for participation in the Olympics and show good results on these competitions.

Tell us about the interesting and difficult moments of struggle, which opponents apron is the best?
- In the first competition among adults at the Grand Prix in Tbilisi I remember the fight with the Israeli judoka Artem Mashansky, where I lost, "Vasari" and two "Shido". And when before the end of the fight there left 8 seconds, I managed to make the reception, which eventually brought victory. The opponent was strong as an Olympic contestant.

Who inspired you to this kind of sport?
- I'm not the only one in the family, who fond of sports. My father have been doing for a long time Sambo, brother Meyrbek - boxing. I think because of the family, my parents, I do judo today. As mentioned previously, the first time I came to the trainings with my father and sister Khalida.

- What is your dream ?

-I think that there is no man who would not dream. In the first place for me - sports career. My dream is to raise the flag of Kazakhstan at the Olympics. Everything is in our hands, all dreams are real. Especially taking into account what kind of support is provided by the state to development of sports in our country.
Taking this opportunity. I express my deep gratitude to the leadership of the Confederation of combat sports and power sports and Judo Federation, as well as management of physical culture and sports of the Mangistau region for full support. Special thanks on behalf of all Kazakhstan's judoka to our sponsors: JSC "National Welfare Fund" Samruk-Kazyna ", JSC NC" KazMunayGas ".

Thanks for the interview!
Interview: Khasen Moldabayev