DO NOT BE AFRAID OF YOUR OPPONENT!

After the Olympic Games, Brazil hosted the 15^th Paralympic Games. 4342 paralympic sportsmen from 159 countries have contended for 528 sets of medals within ten days of the games.

As always, the Azerbaijani Paralympians defended the honor of our country at best. 83 countries won the medals in Rio, including Azerbaijan. At the same time, the competition witnessed the anthems of 63 countries only. The Azerbaijani team won 11 medals - 1 gold, 2 silver and 8 bronze. The country ranked the 33rd by the total number of medals won, and 48th by the rank of medals. Among European countries, Azerbaijan became the 16^th, among Muslim – the sixth, and among the CIS countries – the third.

China ranked the first place in medal standings, the second was the United Kingdom, and the third - Ukraine.

Our medalists are Ramil Gasimov (judo, gold, 73 kg), Bayram Mustafayev (judo, silver, 66 kg), Kamil Aliyev (silver, long jump), Roman Saley (silver, sailing on back to 100 m), his brother Dmitry Saley (two silver medals in swimming breaststroke at 100 m and 50 m freestyle), Irada Aliyeva (silver, javelin), Rovshan Safarov (judo, bronze, 81 kg). Athlete Yelena Ciobanu added three medals in the treasury - two silver (running at 100 m and long jump) and a bronze (running at 200 m).

Judoka Ramil Gasimov won the only gold medal for the national team and joined the fight starting at the ¼ finals. He first defeated Cuban Gerardo Rodriguez. After winning in the semi-finals the German Nicholas Kornhass, our judoka met with the Ukrainian Dmitri Soloviev in the finals. After winning the opponent by ippon, Gasimov brought Azerbaijani team gold medal at the Paralympic Games.

In an interview with R+, Ramil Gasimov told about the heat of the fight in the main event of the four years.

"I had very strong opponents, so the meetings were held in a tightly manner. However, I was able to win all the fights. Going to Rio de Janeiro, I thought only of victory. Winning the gold medal was greeted with enthusiasm and joy in the team as well as by my people".

- At this time in Rio, our Paralympians won only one gold medal. Probably, going the final battle, you understood their responsibility?

- Of course, there was a huge responsibility. The coach said that I would win the final fight and not to fear the opponent. I had nothing to lose. Therefore, I fought to the end and became a champion. I am very happy. It is impossible to describe this feeling. To do this, one must go through all the steps up to the podium and relive these feelings.

- Which of the fights was the most difficult?

- Al of them were difficult. Looking back, I would not want to single out any of them. Each could be the last. At the Olympics, there is no weak competitors. A number of unexpected results was also recorded In Rio. There are no clear favorites at these competitions usually. Even the renown and experienced athletes can leave the competition without medals. To become a champion, you have to treat all fights as final.

- Did you believe before Rio that you would become a champion?

- I did but I was not fully convinced. I felt some excitement. I thought that suddenly everything may become against my plans. Therefore, I am careful until the very end. Just before each fight I forget about everything. All my attention was focused on my opponent. I am very glad that the Azerbaijani athletes in Rio were at a high level. And the main team and Paralympic adequately defended the sports honor of our country.

- Great expectations in the Azerbaijani team were assigned to double Paralympic champion Ilham Zakiyev. What can you say about the performance of the standard-bearer of our team?

- Ilham Zakiyev is a living legend of our sport. He is an example for all of our athletes. He has twice announced the anthem of Azerbaijan at the Olympics. Of course, Zakiyeva is expected to bring gold medals from every competition. For Brazil, we have been preparing together. He took this competition very seriously. But he had health problems. In all competitions Ilham Zakiyev is fighting for the maximum result. In addition, he supports the team. Before each meeting, he says that he believes in us. I am sure, in the following competitions Ilham Zakiev will again rise to the top of the podium.

- Have there been any changes in your life after winning the gold medal in Rio?

- Of course, there were. The Azerbaijani President congratulated our team. His attention and care increases our responsibility. For the victory in Rio, he awarded me with the Order Shohret. I thank Mr. President for that. I promise that from now I will only fight for the championship. Paralympics change a person's life. However, the athlete must continue to go its own way. My next goal is to win the gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Baku.

- Now you relax after the Paralympic Games. When will you start training?

- In November, we will restore active training. I do not intend to participate in international competitions until the end of the year. But next year, we are waiting for a lot of tough competitions. We will participate in the European Championship, and most importantly - in the Islamic Solidarity Games. I thank the national media for the attention paid to the Paralympic team of Azerbaijan. It is important to note the work of media representatives, who convey our victories to the people.