Paralympic medalist Aliyeva: ‘I would like to win in Paris, showing character like Zagitova in Pyeongchang’

Tokyo Paralympic silver medallist in table tennis Malyak Aliyeva told she would like to win the Paris Games by showing character like a figure skater Alina Zagitova at the 2018 Olympic Games.

Aliyeva won a silver medal in the individual table tennis competition at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. On August 21, the athlete will fly to Paris with the national team to participate in the 2024 Games.

— Do you realize that the long-awaited trip to Paris is taking place tomorrow? Do you believe it?

“Now I have a great desire to play and test myself after a long break. There is both excitement and a great desire. There is a responsibility after the last Games, but I try not to think about it, because it gives me extra excitement. I want to give my all, play for my own pleasure.

— What advice would you give to those participating in the Paralympic Games for the first time?

— The main thing is not to worry. Don’t think about how you’re going to play. Just have fun.

— Did I understand correctly that you are inspired by our figure skaters? Who is your role model in sport?

— I was sick and supported Alexandra Trusova and Alina Zagitova. I would like to win in Paris as Zagitova did in Pyeongchang. I liked how she showed character and courage at the 2018 Olympics, at the same time, they bet less on her than on Medvedeva. But in the end, Alina won. I also like Trusova’s character: she always goes all the way.

— Would you like to receive support from Alina and Alexandra on the eve of the Games?

– Yes, of course, I would be happy to. “I would like to meet them one day,” Aliyeva told .

The Paralympic Games will be held in Paris from August 28 to September 8.

The performances of Russian athletes at the Paralympic Games can be watched live on the Match! family channels, as well as on the matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru websites.

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