The flag bearer of Azerbaijan at the opening ceremony of the III CIS Games, karate athlete Asiman Gurbanly, became a silver medalist at the Games. In an interview with journalists, he shared his impressions about winning the medal.
“I have mixed feelings. I am the oldest athlete on the team — I am 33 years old. I underwent two surgeries and set a goal for myself to return as quickly as possible and participate in these Games. I was able to recover in just two months after the operation — for an athlete, this is a very short time. I consider this a success.
Age and injuries have had their impact, but I still show results better than many younger athletes. Over the last two to three months, I have resumed full training and am confident that I can improve my form,” he said.
However, Asiman does not hide that he feels pressure. “I don’t like to lose; I find it very hard to accept defeats. Sometimes I criticize and blame myself, but I try not to show these emotions in public. These are my internal struggles,” he shared.
The flag bearer of Azerbaijan, Asiman Gurbanly, recalls this honorable moment with special pride. “For me, it was a huge honor to enter the arena with the flag of Azerbaijan. Especially considering that President Ilham Aliyev was present at the ceremony. This moment became one of the most significant in my life,” Asiman Gurbanly said.
