Arman TURUMBETOV: “I thought that my strong point was wrestling, but it turned out that my striking was also fine”

Kazakh athlete Arman Turumbetov won the gold medal in the 58 kg weight category in Combat SAMBO at the World Cup held in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan). In the final, he defeated Turkmen athlete Yusup Tanriberzhiev. After the fight, Turumbetov spoke about the difficulties he faced on the way to the gold medal, as well as about the support of fans and the role of his coach in his victory.

You managed to finish the final with a bright early victory by knockout. In my opinion, the fight turned out to be non-standard: you and your opponent relied on striking techniques…

– To be honest, I was more focused on wrestling, since I got a cut during the preliminary fights and tried not to take more blows, I planned to work more on the ground, but it turned out differently…

It turned out to be a stand-up fight, with an emphasis on kicks, which is not often seen in such fights. Is this your strong point?

– I thought that my strong point was wrestling, but it turned out that my striking was also fine (laughs).

Your head was bandaged. Did it bother you on the mat?

– Of course it did, since my view was narrowed, and the bandage was squeezing my head, which also caused some discomfort.

You are right-handed, and your opponent was working left-handed. Did that bother you?

– Actually, no, it didn’t bother me, since Yusup and I already have a history of personal encounters. I was ready for this fight.

How would you rate the role of your coach in your preparation for the World Cup and specifically in this fight as a second? How useful and timely was his advice?

– My coach prepared me very well for this competition, both in technique and “physics”, and tactics. He helped me a lot and, of course, his role was very big in my victory.

How would you rate the role of the psychological state and attitude in the victory? It is still important to go out on the mat being confident in yourself and your abilities...

– If they said that there will be a competition, then you need to get ready for this competition. There should be no doubts. Going out on the mat, I was calm, focused and tried to do what I can do.

The stands supported you quite strongly, chanting “Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan”. How much did that help you?

– It helped a lot. This is our team, we always support each other.

What’s next?

– I don't know yet. First I need to get some treatment, and then I can compete again.

And what is the next goal?

– The main thing is to win the next Kazakhstan Championship, since I came in second this year. I will need to rehabilitate myself.