Judoists, who won medals at the World Championships in Doha, were the first to break through the blockade of Russian sports at international competitions. The first gold medal for the country after the suspension was brought by Arman Adamyan, who spoke in an interview with Sport about the good attitude of the rival from the Czech Republic, regret about the non-arrival of Ukrainians in Qatar and that only Russia will represent.
br>»Human Relations Above Politics»
— Do you remember your first impressions when you learned that you were going to the World Cup?
— How was the neutral status perceived when you had to perform without a flag and an anthem?— We go to the tatami to show the maximum result we are ready for. Everyone knows very well where we come from, and it does not matter what three letters are depicted on the jacket — RUS or IJF.
— The IOC in the recommendations proposed to allow athletes to tournaments only in a neutral status and in the absence contracts with law enforcement agencies and statements in support of the SVO. Is there any red line that you are not ready to cross?
— While even to answer this question is not ready. I believe that everyone should do their own thing: athletes should show results, and sports functionaries should protect their rights.
— After the end of the 2023 World Cup in Doha, IJF President Marius Vizer thanked the Russian judokas for correct behavior in the current realities. Were you instructed on how to behave?- There were no instructions or pumps. Russian judoists are well aware of the rules of etiquette. We always comply with the laws and customs of the countries in which the competitions are held, we respect the views and traditions of athletes from other teams. I would like to thank the President of the IJF for the steps that were taken for our participation in the World Championship. that fans with St. George ribbons on their clothes were taken out of the hall where the competitions were held. Did the judokas of the national team know something about this?
— I hear about it for the first time. In Doha, we were focused on our performances and tried to detach from what was happening around.
— After the final fight you were warmly welcomed by the silver-winning two-time Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek, who represented the non-friendly Czech Republic…
— Human relations are higher than political ones. Judoists are one big family where everyone loves and respects each other. Competing with Ukrainian judoists, the Russians also did not experience any problems. It is a pity that the Ukrainian national team, by decision of their federation, did not come to Doha. There is no negativity between athletes from our countries. I don't see any problems to meet on the tatami with a Ukrainian judoka at international competitions.
«I came from Armenia, but I will compete only for Russia»
— You were born in Armenia. Do you allow the possibility of changing sports citizenship and playing for the team of the historical homeland if the Russians are not allowed to the Olympics?
I don't even consider that option. I moved to Volgograd with my parents when I was ten years old. There was no question of sports success then. I consider myself a Russian judoka and will play for the Russian national team. Although no one considers my father, who left Armenia, a traitor there.
— Some Russian judokas, coaches and functionaries were not allowed to participate in the 2023 World Cup. Was it felt in the team?
— In the Russian team, everyone can replace everyone. This applies to coaches and sparring partners, without whom the training process is impossible. I managed to quickly find a common language with the head coach of the national team Arsen Galstyan. The mere fact that an Olympic champion takes you to the tatami gives you extra energy.
— Having moved from Volgograd to St. Petersburg, you continue to emphasize your connection with the city that became your home since childhood…
— I consider myself a pupil of the Volgograd school of judo. I am still in touch 24/7 with my personal trainers Vladimir Lizenko and Sergey Sidorov, I fly to Volgograd as soon as possible to see my family. The move to St. Petersburg is due to the fact that even after winning the European Championship, the Volgograd authorities did not lift a finger to create some conditions for a successful career. In St. Petersburg in the club «Turbobuilder» there are no problems with this. I am respected, appreciated and loved here.
— You tried your hand as a reporter and interviewed Tasoev for the club site. How confident do you feel in this role, and shouldn't professionals be wary of the emergence of a competitor?
— I will definitely not compete with professionals. Everyone should do their job.
— Are you sparring Tasoeva on the mat?
Our bouts at training sessions are not inferior to the final bouts at the World Championship. Although in real life we are great friends.
— You once mentioned that you consider your father and sister to be your main critics. It’s understandable with the father, but for a Caucasian man to listen to the opinion of a woman …
— Sister Mary, who is two years older, never practiced judo, but began to be interested in this sport, when I started doing it. She supported me even from a distance when we contacted by video during the World Cup in Doha. Mary already understands judo as well as many specialists, and she owes much of her success to her father and her.
— You allow yourself to be criticized by your sister, but by your wife? br>
— Now, slowly, the wife also begins to delve into the nuances of judo. Although he does not allow himself criticism yet.