TOKYO: THE LAST CHANCE

Weightlifting is one of the sports that have been resumed despite the pandemic. Although Azerbaijan has not been known for many victories in weightlifting, the national team of the country, which hit the headlines in recent years because of the doping problem, finally pleased the fans with good news. The results achieved in April at the European Weightlifting Championship in Moscow encouraged the coaches on the eve of the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.

The highest result in the national team was achieved by Boyanka Kostova (59 kg). She could snatch 95 kg, winning her a bronze medal, and lifted another 116 kg (gold medal) in the clean and jerk. With a total result of 211 kg (95+116), Kostova won the gold medal of the championship.

Another successful athlete was Dadash Dadashbeyli, who lifted lifted 177 kg in the snatch (gold medal) and 202 kg in the clean and jerk, showing the seventh best result. In total, Dadashbeyli lifted 379 kg and took the bronze medal of the championship.

Hard training and faith

Four-time European champion and world champion Boyanka KOSTOVA has not given interviews for a long time. But after winning the reputable competition, she agreed to answer some of our questions.

"How do you feel with your fourth gold medal of the European championship?"

"(laughs) Of course, I am happy. The victory won during the pandemic is extremely important. That’s why I am very happy."

"In fact, you took part in two major competitions during the pandemic. What is the main factor of victory?"

"Hard training and faith. I trained hard. I think it is the result of my hard training. I thank the head coach of our team Sardar Hasanov and my personal coach Lachezar Kishkilov for this victory. My victory would not be possible without training with them."

"You have become European champion 4 times. Can we say that you have no equal on the continent?"

"There are other strong athletes competing at European championships. It's just that the strongest take part in the Olympic Games and world championships. Actually, my strongest opponent is Kuo Hsing-Chun from Chinese Taiwan. At the last championship, it was Olga Tyo, who represents Russia at international competitions. She was also my counterpart in the bout for the first place. She won the silver medal."

"How difficult was it to prepare for the competition during the lockdown?"

"It was incredibly difficult. As you know, indoor training is prohibited. In addition, we had lots of negative news about the spread of the pandemic. For an athlete, the mood is extremely important. But sometimes it was not possible to seriously think about the competition. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games was also a blow for the athletes."

I want to climb to the top

"It is expected that the Tokyo Olympics will finally take place this year. Perhaps, the only thing you’re thinking about now is your performance in Tokyo..."

"Indeed. I had many success in my career. But I want to climb to the top. The Tokyo Olympics will probably be my last chance. The Olympics is known to be a pinnacle of any athlete’s career."

"Why the last chance?"

"On May 10, I will turn 28 years old. I feel it is the best age for an athlete. Time flies by. After all, one needs to start a family, children. I don't think I will take part in the Paris 2024 Olympics. At the Tokyo Olympics, I will do my best. I am ready to train day and night to get that Olympic medal."

"What qualities do you need to be better than Hsing-Chun?"

"I think only about my performance. If you think about your opponent, it will be very difficult. I try to lift as much weight as possible at the right time. I want to bring a gold medal to Azerbaijan. I will try very hard for this."

"You were the 34th in the rating list of your weight category (59 kg). Did your victory at the European championship get you a license?"

"This victory in fact guarantees my participation at the Tokyo Olympics. This will be officially announced at the end of May."

"In 2012, you participated in the London Olympics, but failed to win a medal. What has changed after 9 years?"

"I was the fifth best of the London Olympics. I was awarded a small bronze medal for the snatch. Nine years turned me into an even more experienced athlete. In 2012 I was 19, now I am 28. Years change the athlete."

Sanctions could not stop me

"Five years ago your name was mentioned in a doping scandal. Due to a positive test result, your achievement at the London Olympics was cancelled. Such news are common for weightlifting. Doesn't that scare you?"

"Let's talk about good things. One can achieve great success with hard training and discipline. The doping sanction expired in 2018. Then I took part in a number of competitions and scored license points. That news did not break my will."

"Apparently, you’re going to end your career after the Tokyo Olympics?"

“It’s difficult to say anything for sure now. Indeed, it's too early to leave sports when you are 28. I just can't promise to participate in the next Olympics. 2020 has brought many changes to our lives. I’m not going to forecast what expect us in three years.”

"Thank you for the interview. And congratulations!"

"Thank you. Media plays an instrumental role in our success."