FORWARD TO VICTORY!

In recent days, many have been focused on the upcoming Summer Olympics in London. Although the most prestigious competition in the world has not begun yet, Azerbaijanis are already familiar with the athletes who will be defending the honour of our country at the Olympics. Many hope that medals will be won while others traditionally rely on favourites.

By tradition, a ceremony was held to see off the Azerbaijani delegation which will participate in the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event, held at the Heydar Aliyev Centre, was attended by the president of the National Olympic Committee, President Ilham Aliyev, and First Lady Marian Aliyeva.

In his speech, the president wished success to the athletes and expressed the hope that they would represent our country with credit. He highlighted the government's very successful policy in the field of sports and the fact that other countries benefit from our experience. The president said that our athletes win hundreds of medals each year, adding that 34 Olympic complexes have been built in the country and the construction of another 8 continues. Speaking about the fact that most of our athletes are participating in the Olympics for the first time, Aliyev said: "This is a testament to consistent development. Azerbaijani sportsmen are considered serious rivals for athletes from any country. Getting the status of a sports country is not so easy. In some countries, there are contradictions between sports organizations. We, unlike some countries, do not distinguish between non-Olympic and Olympic sports. The leaders of the federations are successfully carrying out their duties."

The president said that 53 athletes from Azerbaijan will be represented at the games in London, and this is more than at the previous Olympics. He expressed confidence that the current Games will be another triumph for Azerbaijani sports.

The senior coach of the Azerbaijani freestyle wrestling team, Firdovsi Umud; a member of the Paralympic team and three-time world champion, Huseyn Huseynov; and a member of the national boxing team, Vatan Huseynli, declared their readiness to spare no efforts to represent Azerbaijan at the Olympics with credit. Vatan Huseynli read out the text of the Olympic oath on behalf of the athletes, and then members of the national team kissed the national flag of Azerbaijan.

It must be noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on awards for the best results for Azerbaijani athletes and their coaches at the 30th Olympic Games. The following awards have been appointed:

- An athlete who takes first place - 400,000 and his coach - 200,000 manats;

- An athlete who takes second place - 200,000 and his coach - 100,000 manats;

- An athlete who takes third place - 100,000 and his coach - 50,000 manats.

Undoubtedly, the main hopes in London are connected with the hero of the Beijing Olympics, Elnur Mammadli. Beating all his rivals in China with a clean ippon technique, Elnur will be in the spotlight again. Before the Olympic Games in London, we met with him and talked about the preparations and plans.

- About four years ago in Beijing, a new chapter was written in the history of our sports. The sports community of Azerbaijan still remembers that day...

- On 11 August 2008, I became an Olympic champion in Beijing. All this was like yesterday, even though it's been four years and we have to perform at the next Olympics. I'd like to please our people once again. With its successful performance in Beijing, our team wrote a new page in history. In London, we must build on this success. This time, I will be playing on 31 July. My dream is to become a champion again. If I become an Olympic champion for the second time in my career, I will consider myself the luckiest man.

- Making predictions for the Olympic Games is very difficult. They say that to be a champion, you need talent, skill and luck. And what is your formula for success?

- You must be prepared psychologically. Physically, I am well prepared. I think an athlete should not feel tired. If you get enough sleep before the competition, nobody can beat you. Do not be afraid of anyone. Let rivals be afraid of you. At the same time, you must respect all your opponents.

- In the history of sports in Azerbaijan, there is no two-time Olympic champion. Now there are high hopes on you. Doesn't such a mass wait put pressure on you?

- This is a natural state. I want to defend my title of Olympic champion. Regardless of the outcome, close friends and family will always be nearby. I'd like to become a champion for the second time in a row. But this is sports. Nobody can give accurate predictions for the Olympics. Only Allah knows what will happen in the competition.

- After the practice in Kislovodsk and Barcelona, preparations will be completed in Ismayilli. Do you consider yourself ready for the Olympics?

- We have been practicing in Ismayilli over the past few days. On 24 July, we are going to London. Not just me, but our entire judo team are ready for the competition. Each of my colleagues in the team is able to win a medal. Now we need to be in good form. We will dedicate all the remaining time to practice.

- In London, you will be performing in the weight category of 81 kg. Who will be your main rival?

- It is Kim Jae-bum from Korea. We have never met on the mat yet. Therefore, we do not know each other. The transfer to the new weight class went without any problems. I won the World Masters tournament twice. I became a European champion in Turkey. Inshallah, everything will be alright in London.

- There is a trend: the athlete who carries the flag at the opening ceremony fails. Are you not afraid of such a fate if you carry the flag?

- I don't believe in such superstitions. It all depends on the athlete. If I am the standard-bearer, I will regard it as an honour. Carrying the banner of Azerbaijan at the opening ceremony is a great honour. This is the dream of every athlete.

- Does failure scare you?

- Who could have imagined that such a strong team as Holland would not make it to the next stage at the European Football Championship and would not win even one game? Anything can happen in sports. No one is immune from failure. I am not saying this in my own defence. It's just that sports have their own unwritten rules. I want to become a champion not for awards, but in order to open a new page in history.