Russian freestyle wrestler Abdulla Kurbanov said he considers his fight for the bronze medal at the World Championships in Belgrade a “minus one”, but the Olympic license won is only a small consolation for him.
On Sunday, Kurbanov defeated Hungarian Daniel Ligeti with a score of 8:3 in the weight category up to 125 kg in the fight for fifth place and the Olympic license at the World Championships in Belgrade. Earlier, the 21-year-old Russian lost to American Mason Parris with a score of 2:12 in the fight for the bronze medal.
“It’s a shame we didn’t manage to win a medal.” Russia has not won a medal in this weight category for a long time. It’s a small consolation that at least I took an Olympic license.
— How will you rate your performance?
— If we take it in general, then a three. And if we’re talking about fighting for bronze, I’ll give myself minus one. Nothing worked at all. I didn’t have enough experience; I had never encountered American wrestling before. I couldn’t find my opponent’s key, even though he didn’t do anything special. You can fight with anyone, I just didn’t understand his style. You just need to go out, justify the work you have done previously and trust in the Almighty.
— Do you feel like you grew up during this World Cup?
– Yes. I have long wanted to test my strength with the leaders of the world struggle. I realized I still had a lot of work to do. The World Championship is a completely different level, beyond words. It was the first time I participated in international competitions; I had never traveled abroad before.
– Do you have the feeling that after this experience you will be able to win a medal at the Olympic Games next year?
– Of course, everything is the will of the Almighty. I will still gain strength, patience, experience and I will continue to work to achieve good results. I still have to work hard in the gym.
— How much do you need to weigh to compete for gold at the World Championships and Olympics?
— In my category at least 112 kilograms.
— To whom do you dedicate this victory for the license?
– Yes, to whom I dedicate it. Actually, I’m waiting for a serious conversation, I think, because of the fight for bronze. I dedicate it to everyone who is sick and worried about me. I don’t think I will be welcomed in any special way at home after the World Cup. I don’t have a medal. I don’t consider myself a star, I just didn’t let the team down by completing the task of earning a license,” the correspondent reports, reporting Kurbanov’s words.
The World Championships take place in Belgrade (Serbia) from September 16 to 24. The Russians act in a neutral position. The tournament is a qualifier for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
