Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov: First is study, then - sport!
May 11, 2018 | 14:48 |1969
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, the new World Champion on ACB (Absolute Championship Berkut) Light Heavyweight, did not agree to answer my questions immediately, but asked to wait a couple of hours until he completes his training. I was amazed a lot. Soon after psychologically and physically difficult fight, instead of having rest and restoring his self, or healing the bruises and injuries, this brave man, without wasting time, started the training exercises to be prepared for next fight. And so, at the appointed time, I was able to ask questions that in interest of our readers. - Dovletdzhan, excuse me, but I do not know your middle name, so I'm addressing you by name. Tell me, please, what is your middle name? - It's okay, you can call by name, I'm get used with it.Alexandr Bayriyev
- Many fans, even those whose interests are far from martial arts, are hotly supported you as a compatriot. They rejoice when you win and show the green Flag of Turkmenistan to the whole world. We all congratulate you on the brilliant victory over the world champion Batraz Agnayev. You are the first and as of today the only one who could smash this mighty and, undoubtedly, outstanding fighter. So on behalf of the readers of ORIENT we congratulate you on a beautiful and convincing victory and, of course, on the title of the World Champion!
- Thank you so much. Please, convey my words of gratitude to all Turkmen people who were supporting me and, of course, to your readers. I always feel the support of my compatriots, even if I am hundreds and thousands of kilometers away from my native land. My special gratitude to the editorial staff of ORIENT, where materials about my modest person has been appeared several times in media.
- Despite the fact that you, as a fighter, reached to the top of the rating, and became a celebrity in a short period of time, we still know a little about you. Besides, our readers are interested in where you were born?
- I was born and grow up in the Chardjev district (now Lebap region) of Turkmenistan. It is a rural area in the eastern region of the country where Turkmenistan borders on neighboring Uzbekistan. It is a place where national forms of struggle have been developed since ancient times. So, today the Lebap martial arts school is one of the best in Turkmenistan.
- When did you start playing sports?
- For the first time, I crossed the threshold of the sports hall at about six years old.
- What kind of sports was your debut in your career? Most likely, it was Goresh national fight?
- I always liked the national fight Goresh. Like the love of Turkmen to the horses, the Goresh fight love comes with the genes. But the first sport I tried was karate. At that time, it was a kind of trend, and many boys tried to get into the sports section, where they taught exotic martial arts. Now times are changed, what seemed something outlandish not so long ago, became a part of our daily life.
- I'm sure, your first coach is very proud of you. Could you call his name, please?
- Of course! I remember him very well and often remember my first steps on tatami and my first coach Dzhorakuly Dzhumayev.
- In addition to karate, which sports discipline captivated your attention?
- The next sport that I was attracted in seriously was kickboxing. Probably, this is logical: after all, karate and kickboxing are like a brother and sister. My coach was Akmurad Akiyev.
- It is known that you once became Karate Champion of Turkmenistan, and at what age did you achieve this success?
- I was about 11 years old.
- Remembering your main fight with Batraz Agnayev as of today, it seems that you quickly and easily coped with your formidable opponent.
- Agnayev is a very strong opponent. He is an outstanding fighter, and lost no one fight, except the last one. Just few athletes can achieve such high-score result. Batraz deserves the highest appreciation and respect.
- Fully agree with you. However, sometimes you see how the fighters which must fight in a duel, are appeared in media, and you can note their spiteful attitude towards each other. You and Agnayev were different. He called you very respectfully “a good experienced fighter,” and also a “good, decent guy.” His friendly attitude towards you was visible also. By the way, you treated your rival with great respect too, paying tribute to his sporting merits. Tell me, how do you manage to combine a tough irreconcilable fight in the ring with kind, truly friendly relations in life?
- It's a sport. With the right attitude of coach to the sportsmen, sports, in the first place, educates people. Generally, in the East the art of combat arts was used as a method of spiritual improvement of a person. In this process, of course, much depends on the family.
- By this attitude to the opponent you give a worthy good sample to many boys. And it seems to me that it has great educational significance ...
- I keep friendly relations with all my rivals, with whom I fought. At least I try to keep friendly relations. With many rivals in the past, I even do joint training.
- Tell me, that smiling boy who stood next to you right after the award, was your son?
- No, this guy is my nephew.
- Would you like him to follow your footsteps through trials with grueling training and fierce fights?
- I cannot say anything, neither yes, nor no. It should be an independent choice, and not a decision imposed by someone. And then, no matter how hard it for them, they themselves will be able to overcome all difficulties and, as you say, all trials that will strengthen their spirit. This is the path to oneself, to the opportunities concealed in each of us. But for this, everyone must make a choice himself.
For example, I was not recommended to go in for sports. I made the choice myself, because I liked it. And that's why, probably, I have never been disappointed in this. Although there were many difficulties and challenges on the way to success.
- When do you plan, in accordance with the rules of mixed martial arts, to defend your champion title?
- I just won this title, and when I defend the title will be known somewhere closer to September.
- We will be supporting you. When did you come to Turkmenistan last time?
- Last August.
- Do you plan to come to Turkmenistan and perform at home, organize a master class or a fight-show performance, a tournament?
- Of course, it is my dream.
- In recent years, the Turkmen sport has made considerable progress. Do you follow the successes of your fellow countrymen?
- Of course, I am very happy to the Turkmen sport that has grown a lot, and to which it has not been paid much attention before. Our president creates all conditions for the development of sports, for athletes and coaches, so that they can achieve high results.
- As a professional, as a current World Champion, do you see the development prospects of mixed martial arts in Turkmenistan?
- Of course! Right after the victory in the ring I said words of gratitude to the Turkmen leader, and now I will repeat that with the support that our respected president renders to the sport, the athletes will achieve high results.
- Another question: many thousands of boys, looking at you, dream of doing sports and becoming a world champion. What would you advise them?
- There is no need for a number and difficult advices. Because the true advice is simple, but useful: learn, listen to parents and go in for sports.
- Is it means to combine study with intensified sports?
- No, first is study, and then – sport.
