FROM "GRAND HELMET" TO WORLD CHAMPION

Azerbaijan's capital has become the venue for the judo "Big Helmet" tournament. In the tournament which is being held for the second year in a row, Azerbaijan has entered 39 sportsmen, who won six medals. One of the trainees of Haciaga Haciahmadov, Orxan Safarov (60 kg) was on the top of the podium after he had beaten all his opponents. Vaqif Sirinli (60 kg) and Elxan Mammadov (100 kg) won silver medals, and Kifayat Qasimova (57 kg), Rustam Orucev (73 kg) and Mammadali Mehdiyev (81 kg) won bronze medals. As a result, the Azerbaijani team ended in 4th place out of 41, with one gold, two silver and three bronze medals. The first three places were taken in the following order - by the teams of France (3-2-2), Holland (2-1-2) and Russia (1-2-5). 

After winning six medals at such a prestigious competition, the Azerbaijani judokas performed the minimum programme. The team's performance may be considered to have been a success as far as the result is concerned. But from a skills point of view, the sportsmen did not demonstrate fighting qualities. World champion Elxan Mammadov was not able to repeat last year's result, on which he had placed big hopes. Moreover, content this year with a silver medal, last year's winner of the "Big Helmet" lost in the final, not in the open fight, but on penalty points. During the final bout, the participants received three warnings, and another warning received during extra time led to Mamedov's defeat. The world champion's defeat, not in fighting, but on penalty points needs to become a serious topic of discussion by the coaches. 

The bronze medallist in a similar tournament in 2013 and finalist in the European championship, Elmar Qasimov, did not justify the hopes placed in him. After losing the first bout, the titled sportsman did not manage to get any medals. Once again it was confirmed that we do not have a national team of strong sportsmen in the 90-kg category. Sahin Qahramanov's defeat in the second bout, when he had performed quite confidently in the previous two tournaments, demonstrated that he was by no means on top form. Mammadali Mehdiyev, the main hope in the 81-kg weight, is noteworthy. After winning the bronze medal, he proved that he was worthy of being a member of the team. Having come third in the 71-kg weight category, Rustam Orucev demonstrated that his performance was stable. The competition desired by the coaches appeared in the 60-kg category. The presence of such sportsmen as Orxan Safarov, Vuqar Sirinli and Ilqar Mirkisiyev in that category was not only to the advantage of judo as a whole, but to the Azerbaijani team in particular.

Only the result achieved by the experienced Kifayat Qasimova was gladdening in the women's competition. In an interview with Regionplus, the president of the International Judo Federation, Marius VIZER, touched on the results of the competition and spoke about his involvement in the anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the prospects for co-operation with Azerbaijan.

- The purpose of your visit is to attend the "Big Helmet" tournament taking place in Baku…

- That's right. Besides that, I was to take part in the events to mark the 10th anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The Foundation renders great support to the development of education, sport and culture. I considered it my duty to take part in this event. I watched the final bouts in the "Big Helmet" competition. It was interesting for me to see for myself how the tournament, which is already being held for the second time, was organised.  

- What can you say about the results?

- Judo is developing apace in all countries. In the tournament held in Baku all the teams were testing their strongest sportsmen. Let the coaches do the analysing of the results. For me it was important to see the high standard of organisation of the tournament and the skill demonstrated by the sportsmen.

- You have been satisfied with the organisational side of the "Big Helmet" tournament. Does this mean it can take place next year too?

- According to the agreement, the tournament will be held in 2015. The agreement will expire then. At the present time, it is difficult to speak about future co-operation. So, I can only talk about the 2015 tournament. I am satisfied with the way that the current competition went off. I am pleased that Azerbaijani sportsmen also won some medals. In 2015, the first ever European Games are to take place in your country. I believe that they will be held to a very high standard.

- At what stage are the discussions on future co-operation with Azerbaijan?

- I am glad that your country is focussing  on judo. At the same time, it would be a good idea to promote work with young people. We need to discuss it with the Federation. I think it is important to have a special approach to judo in school PE [physical education] lessons. I would like children to learn more about judo at a very early age.

- In what sphere will you co-operate with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation?

- Next month we shall submit two projects to the Foundation. If they are interested, we can get joint efforts going. The first project has been drawn up by the organisation headed by me, and the second involves Sportaccord.

- What will the rules be for licensed judo competitions in the European Games?

- The decision on this has already been taken. Each country is to draw up licences in accordance with the rating of its sportsmen. That is, they will be based on the rating given by the International [Judo] Federation. There is not much time left, therefore there is no need to hold additional tournaments.

- For what prestigious competitions can Azerbaijan act as a venue in the next few years?

- Discussions are ongoing at the moment. Azerbaijan wants to organise the 2017 world championship for adults. Our attitude to that is a positive one.  A few issues need to be sorted out. If an official application is submitted, then possibly we will trust Azerbaijan to hold this prestigious competition.

- The International Judo Federation  is criticised for frequently changing its rules. This causes problems for coaches and sportsmen…

- A special group, working within the Federation, makes the changes to the rules. In so doing, they take into account the views of coaches from each country. We are trying to promote interest in judo, to make it more interesting to watch. In judo you have to fight to the end. The result may change in favour of the opponent even in the last few seconds.