Azeri judo champ Elnur Mammadli: I'll have to be a lot more responsible now...

You recently became a father. How does that feel? What do you think your son will be doing when he grows up?

Yes, on 29th of November my son was born, and we decided to name him Emin. It is really a great feeling, being a father. You feel proud. After the Olympics this is the first time I feel so pumped up, so responsible. I do not know yet what lifepath he will chose, he's way too young to make such decisions yet.

Yes, but would you want him to become a fighter, like you?

Well, that would have been great. First of all, I want him to be a decent citizen of his country, and a good man. He will be free to chose which way to go. But, however, I'd be very pleased if he chose the same path as mine. And if he overshadows my achievements - even better. Imagine having a family with two olympic champions...

How do you assess the Abu Dhabi tournament?

The rivals there were tough. It is sad, that we were left without medals, yet this proves that there's still a lot of room for improvement. A lot of work has to be done. Besides, a lot of things have changed. Countries that were never known for judo, started showing some good results.

Head coach of the national team Agayar Akhundzade even said, that if you were participating in the tournament, there would have been medals for sure...

I am thankful to the coach for such trust, but he knows very well that two days before the beginning of the tournament i got sick. Later however, i was really surprised to see a German athlete to win a medal in my 81kg category. As far as two bronze medals from Ukrainian fighters go - now that is a real sensation.

Whom did you see as real rivals before that?

Nothing original, really. South Korea, Japan. However they did not take part in Gran Prix. We have to look forward to the January "Masters" tournament. All of our athletes are getting ready for it, and training intensively.

Could you fully recover from your injury ?

Although i changed my weight category, it doesnt feel uncomfortable. I have new goals, and new rivals infront of me. I am willing to, at least, repeat my achievements, now in a 73kg category. And now, after becoming a father, ill have to be even more responsible for all my actions.


/Azerisport/