"I PREFER TO REMAIN IN THE SHADE"

The champion of the 2012 Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling, Togrul Asgarov, has not appeared in the media for a long time. The athlete has actually kept silent since the Olympics and does not even comment on rumours. Many expected him to go to the World Championships in Hungary, but Togrul did not go there. Since the brilliant victory at the Olympic Games in August last year, the wrestler has not participated in any competition. Spending most of his time in his native Ganca, Togrul Asgarov initially refused to be interviewed, but then agreed to talk.

- Togrul, a year has passed since your victory at the Olympics. Why didn't you participate in any competition during this time?

- Every athlete prepares for the world's biggest competition for years. After my performance in London, I needed a rest. The coaches gave me time to do that. I took a rest and had my old injuries treated. Then I had a new health problem. Now the course of treatment is about to end.

- In September, you didn't go on the carpet in the last World Cup. What was the reason?

- There were serious problems with my stomach. I had a checkup in Turkey. Doctors prescribed a course of treatment. Then I started practicing. The coaches decided not to send me to the World Cup, because I was far from optimal form. On the other hand, weight change also required a certain time. Now I practice hard. I have to work hard to earn the trust of my people. I think a one-year separation with the sport will not affect my career. I hope to prepare well and distinguish myself at major tournaments.

- Usually, Olympic champions are in the spotlight and often give interviews. You don't often contact the media.

- After the victory in London, I gave a lot of interviews. It's been a year. It would be wrong to talk about the Olympics now. It's necessary to achieve new results, and only then appear in the media. The victory in London is already history. So far there is nothing new in my career. So I dream of pleasing the fans with new victories. I don't want to say the same thing every time, going back to the past.

- They wrote that Togrul Asgarov had bought nearly 1,000 sheep and was starting his own business.

- Much of what is written is not true. They write without clarifying the information with me. I'm only interested in wrestling. All my thoughts are occupied with sports. I must admit that I love the equestrian sport. When I have free time, I do it in Ganca. I love horses and enjoy spending time with them. But the opening of a farm and other talk is a sheer fabrication. People are interested in any information about me. Maybe that's why there's so much speculation.

- After victories at the Olympics, many athletes develop a "star disease". Are you not infected with it?

- Of course, not. I've been in sports for many years. Even before the Olympics, I won awards in many major competitions. People who know me are aware that I've never liked bragging. It may seem so from the side. But I haven't changed. I'm still the same Togrul. It's just that sometimes they spread various rumours about famous athletes and mislead many people.

- After winning the Olympics at a young age you may become too conceited. Often these athletes finish their careers prematurely.

- I haven't done anything yet. I want to wrestle and win. After the Olympics, it all starts over again. Have I achieved all of my wishes? No. My dream is to participate in many other competitions.

- In any case, admit that the Olympics changed your life.

- Every athlete dreams of participating in the Olympics. And the victory is a huge achievement. Our state and Federation appreciated the victory in London. It's very nice to get a reward. You solve some problem and think that you're on the right track. My life has changed in this sense. Previously, I was an ordinary fighter. Now many people know me and wish me to win every competition. I understand these people, but I don't like being the centre of attention. Therefore I prefer to remain in the shade.

- In Azerbaijan, there's no two-time Olympic champion. Now the greatest hopes are on you.

- I also dream of winning again. After the Olympics, everyone hopes on me. So I want to join in the competition only fully ready. Most of all I'm afraid not to live up to expectations. These people were happy with me. They have a right to expect new success from me.

- They say you're interested in football?

- I love football. If I hadn't become a wrestler, I probably would have taken up football. I play with the guys when I get the chance. When in Ganca, I go to the games of the local club Kapaz to cheer for the home club. Now Kapaz is being restored. The team is being set up almost from scratch. For the time being, they are struggling in the first division. But there is great hope for return to the strongest league. Generally, Ganca is a football city, we love it very much.

- But football in Azerbaijan is not as developed as wrestling.

 - The country has a huge interest in football. We now have a lot of clubs with good financial opportunities. Each city is eager to set up its own football club. There are perfect conditions for the national team. In order to achieve a good result, it's necessary to develop children's soccer. Even in wrestling they don't invite you to the national team at once. Those who distinguished themselves among juniors and in the youth team are invited to the first team. Sport is like a pyramid. Those involved in sports since childhood have plenty of chances to achieve success at a young age.