HUNGER FOR VICTORY

The past year was very successful for Azerbaijani sport in terms of the victories it brought to the country. In particular, it was very successful for judokas, who returned from most competitions with medals. It is not by chance that the Azerbaijani judoka Hidayat Heydarov (73kg) was recognised as the best athlete of the last year. His achievements were also praised on the official website of the International Judo Federation. In 2023, the three-time European champion was the leader not only in the world ranking, but also in the Olympic and European classifications. In the Olympic and world rankings, Heydarov's closest rival is Japan's Soichi Hashimoto, and in the continental rankings, Georgia's Lasha Shavdatuashvili.

Below is our interview with the best Azerbaijani athlete of 2023 Hidayat Heydarov.

"Where did you celebrate the coming of 2024?"

"Holidays are never long for athletes. We started training from the first days of the new year. In Austria, we are preparing together with judokas from the strongest countries in the world. For us, 2024 is one of the most important years. The biggest and most prestigious sporting competition on the planet will be the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. That is why we should think about holidays only after it."

"2023 was a good year for you. You were also voted Athlete of the Year in the final polls. What does that mean to you?"

"Thank you to everyone who supports me. I appreciate the attention given to me in Azerbaijan. At the end of the year, I became the European champion for the third time in my career. I received a huge number of congratulations on this occasion. But to be three times champion of the continent is not the limit. I am overflowing with thirst for victories. I can't get enough of success. And I would like to become the European champion for the fourth time. When I feel such support at home, I strive for new achievements. Thank you to those who recognised me as the best of the year. I will try to justify their choice with victories in 2024. "

"Which tournament was the highlight of the year for you?"

"In December, the Grand Slam tournament was held in Tokyo, the birthplace of judo. This competition brings together the strongest athletes of the world. I had a special feeling when I defeated a local athlete in the birthplace of judo."

"There were setbacks in early 2023...."

"Yes, that's a good point. I had bad luck at the beginning of the year, but later I managed to pull myself together. The coaches and the federation helped me. Olympic champion Elnur Mammadli helps me in training, sharing his experience. This is a great support. The champion, whom I saw in the stands many years ago, now trains with me in the same hall. It's an incredible motivation. I have to justify this support in Paris. "

"Is this about being an Olympic champion?"

"Certainly. After Elnur Mammadli became the champion of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, our judo has missed gold medals. We have not had Olympic judo champions for 16 years. You can imagine the feelings we will take with us to France. It will be difficult to compete at the Olympics, but we must be ready for this competition."

"What competitions are you expected to participate in before the Olympic Games?"

"The Grand Slam tournament will be held in Baku in February. It brings licence points. Judokas who finish in the top three will get licences to Paris. After the training, the coaching staff will decide in which competitions I will participate. The European Championship will also be held this year. I would like to win all competitions, I am physically fit to do so."

"How do you assess the overall readiness of the national judo team?"

"The Azerbaijani national team has strengthened a lot in recent years. In particular, I must mention our women judokas. The male judo team regularly achieves success. The victories of female judokas both in junior and youth teams in recent years are very pleasing. I think our national judo team will go to Paris with a large team, as there should be a lot of licences."

"What does it take for an athlete to become an Olympic champion? Have you thought about it?"

"First of all, it means training. A lot. And showing restraint. The Olympic Games don't like predictions. An ordinary injury or a mistake can wipe out all the plans. It is important to be confident and to train constantly. You cannot pass in front of the opponent. You must believe in victory."

"Who will be your most serious opponent in Paris?"

"All my opponents are strong. On the other hand, sometimes unexpected results happen. It is necessary to be psychologically prepared."

"What would you like to say to our fans of judo?"

"I thank them for heir ultimate support. In 2024, the national team will do everything possible to please them. Keep supporting us. With your help, we must end the 16-year pause and come home with Olympic gold medals."