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"I'll perform with dignity not to disappoint my team" says national gymnast

5 June 2015 13:00 (UTC+04:00)
"I'll perform with dignity not to disappoint my team" says national gymnast

By Amina Nazarli

The 1st European Games commencing in Baku on June 12 which features 20 sports including gymnastics disciplines is just around the corner.

Along with other gymnastic disciplines, Men’s Artistic Gymnastics is also included into the program of the Games. In Azerbaijan, Artistic Gymnastics began its development in the 1930s. And the first Republican Championship in this discipline was held in Baku in 1939.

Three gymnasts will represent Azerbaijan at the Games. One of those lucky ones is Eldar Safarov.

In keeping with traditions, the press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation has conducted an interview with Eldar to find out how he got involved in gymnastics and what he expects from the upcoming Games.

Question: How did you turn to gymnastics? Why did you choose this sport?

Answer: I started gymnastics when I was six. It quickly became my favorite occupation. I think my interest came from the fact that I couldn’t sit quietly in one place when I was a child.

Q.: Have you tried other sports? Could you display talent in other disciplines?

A: I think I could. I am a versatile person and I like different sports disciplines. For example, I enjoy wrestling and boxing.

Q.: How do you deal with your emotions during competitions? Do you have any special tricks or techniques to help you stay in control?

A:I am trying to control myself and keep calm. I think the biggest secret is good preparation.

Q.: What is the key to success in any sport?

A: Three are three most important things for me, which are - wish, patience and confidence. These factors help me both in sports and with my life.

Q.: How dangerous is it to be engaged in professional sports, or does it depend on the sport?

A: All sports disciplines have their own elements of risk, and, of course, it depends on the discipline. To avoid injuries, you need to be fully concentrated on trainings.

Q.: Do you have a sport's idol?

A: Yes, of course, I have. My idol is five-time World Champion - Kohei Uchimura. He is a legendary man.

Q.: Tell us about your plans for the near future

A: The Games is about to start. For me, it is a very big event. Naturally, I would like to perform with dignity and not disappoint the team.

Q.: What do the European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them?

A: The Games is very serious and responsible competition, especially, when these Games are held in my homeland. I hope I will perform successfully and will show good results.

Q.: If we move a little bit away from sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to achieve?

A: Yes, of course, as every young man I have. I have many plans and dreams, which I would like to realize. But, today, my most important plans are related to sport.

Q.: Are you able to combine sport with normal life?

A: Oh, it is not easy at all. I have training every day. I do not have enough time to do something else, but from time to time, I try to meet with my friends.

Q.: Tell us about your family.

A: My parents support me at each competition for which I am very grateful to them. I have a younger sister who is also fond of gymnastics.

Q.: Do you have a loved one?

A: As I have already noted, I do not have enough time for my private life.

Q.: What do your fans usually shout, and what do you want to hear from them?

A: “Eldar, go ahead!” “We believe in you, Eldar!”

Q.: What would you like to tell them?

A: Thank you very much for your support, it is very important for me.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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