STRONGEST OF THE STRONG

After a long gap, Beijing Olympic Games gold medallist Elnur Mammadov has delighted his fans again. The Azerbaijani judoka won the WORLD Masters tournament in Baku, thereby earning 400 qualifying points for the next Olympics in London. Injured after the Olympics in Beijing, Mammadov was missing from the sport for 18 months. But his victory in this recent tournament confirmed that his nickname 'Ippon' (a refereeing term meaning "a clear victory") is well-deserved. After gaining clear victories over all his opponents, one after the other, Mammadov also retained the leadership of his team. He shared his views with us on the significance of his victory in the Baku tournament.

-After a long time out, you competed in Baku once again. It was probably very hard?

-Psychologically, it has always been difficult to get onto the mat at home. Fans in the hall expect only victory from you. Therefore the responsibility is double. Yes, I had not fought in a prestigious tournament in Baku for a long time and so I wanted to start 2011 with a win. I am very glad that I made it. I also want to thank each and every fan. Their support gave me strength.

At the same time, we must say that you did not have an easy start to the tournament...

In the first match, my opponent was European champion Sirazhutdin Magomedov. In general, the competition was attended by the strongest judokas, and I knew from the start that it would not be easy. So, in the match with Sirazhutdin Magomedov, I thought only about winning. We know each other well, so it was difficult for both of us. I last beat him at the world championship in Tokyo. In Baku, he failed to take revenge.

In Beijing, you were Olympic champion in the 73 kg weight division, while in Baku you won at 81 kg. Can we say that you're used to the new weight?

I got used to opponents at this weight after the World Cup. In Tokyo, and after that, in Baku, I had to fight the strongest judokas in this weight class. I waged an all-out campaign to show that I was still very capable. I want to get stronger and win in the 81 kg division.

-Watching the "ippon" in the final was very pleasing...

-Thank you. Despite my early victory, we've got to hand it to my opponents. For example, the match with Britain's Euan Barton was memorable. He has showed his ability, winning a bronze medal at the world championship. Every match with him is a tough fight. I was also very happy to beat Leandro Gulheiro in the final. The decisive battle is always hard. This Brazilian judoka also lost to me in the 73 kg weight class. In Baku, I was able to defeat him in a new weight class.

-In the final, you were so happy, as though you had won an Olympic medal again...

-Yes, indeed, what could be better than winning with the support of your own fans? Because of the injury, I could not fight as I wanted to for a long time. I know that everybody expected me to win. So I was not happy forcing my fans to wait. Praise be to God, everything ended well. When the Azerbaijani anthem was played, I remembered the Beijing Olympics; it was as if I had become Olympic champion again. The WORLD Masters tournament in Baku was important for every judoka. First place was awarded 400 qualifying points. Therefore, everyone fought to the limit. It is the third most prestigious tournament after the Olympics and World Championships.

-Now you have to fight for a place in London...

-Now we are going to Norway for training with the national team. We will also participate in an international tournament there. 2011 is very important preparation time for the Olympics. We must pass all the tests to go to London.

-Elnur Mammadov's greatest hopes are probably also related to the London Olympics...

-Of course, every athlete dreams of the Olympics. But before London, I have to win a number of international competitions. In addition, the World Judo Championship will be held this year. I would also like to win the gold medal there. I am already European and Olympic champion. Only a world champion's medal is missing from my collection, and I want to win it this year. Next year, all my efforts will be directed towards the Olympics.