Emirkhan ZHOLDOSHKAZIEV: "My first World Cadet, Youth and Junior SAMBO Championships – and such success right away"

Kyrgyz athlete Emirkhan Zholdoshkaziev won the gold medal in the over 98 kg weight category among juniors at the World Cadet, Youth and Junior SAMBO Championships held in Larnaca (Cyprus). After the decisive bout, he shared his emotions with the FIAS website, talked about the secrets of success, the role of his coach in his victory and the value of this award for his country.

Emirkhan, congratulations on your victory! The opponent was unyielding, the bout was tense, but you still managed to win confidently. Due to what?

– This victory was not only my merit, but also all my coaches, my brothers and our entire team. The Almighty helped me, without the help of the Almighty I would not have achieved this result.

Today you had four bouts, defeating strong opponents along the way. How did you prepare for these fights? Was there a plan for each specific bout, and what was it for the final?

– Yes, there was a plan. If we talk about the final bout, I knew that Arseniy is right-handed and prefers to work on internal hooks. My coaches and I carefully studied his wrestling style, wrestling features and identified his signature throws and holds. After that, the main task was to decide on tactics. I focused on not letting my opponent use his strengths and try to do what I do best.

During the bout, you were able to perform effective technical actions. Was your signature move among them?

– Yes, the first throw was indeed my signature move – the so-called pick-up or throw from a standing position by impacting the inner thigh. I managed to block my opponent's right hand and impose my wrestling.

During the bout, your coach gave you advice. How useful was it?

– Very useful! It was my personal coach, who has been raising and training me since I was 8 years old, that is, for 11 years. My result speaks best of how useful these sessions were.

Is this your best achievement to date?

– Yes, this is my best achievement. Honestly, this was my first World Cadet, Youth and Junior SAMBO Championships – and such success right away.

On the third and final day of the Championship, your bout was the final one. Moreover, your victory became the first “gold” of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan at this tournament. What does this mean to you?

– It means a lot to me. It is a great honor for me, because during the award ceremony, the flag of Kyrgyzstan was flying and the anthem of our republic was played. Therefore, I believe that this is not only my victory, but also the victory of our entire team, our national federation, our country and the entire Kyrgyz people.

You became the champion of the World Cadet, Youth and Junior SAMBO Championships. What's next?

– I can’t say yet. What is prescribed for me, that’s what will happen.

Who was rooting for you at home?

– My family, mother, brother watched the live broadcast, and I'm sure that we will find a way to rejoice at my success with my family and friends at home.