The beginning of the month was marked by a series of coaching appointments in the Azerbaijani taekwondo team. The women’s team was led by Gunay Zeynalova, the youth women’s team was entrusted to Farida Azizova, and the juniors will perform under the leadership of Aykhan Tagizade. Young professionals with extensive sports experience who can give a lot to the new generation began working as mentors.
As Day.Az reports with reference to İdman.biz, despite the fact that the official appointment took place only recently, Azizova and Tagizade led the team at least one tournament - the Gymnasium Games in Bahrain. In Manama, Eljan Aliyev (78 kg) won the silver medal, and Seidkhanim Mamedova (52 kg) won the bronze medal. Now the new coaches have fully assumed their positions and will prepare the team for the new season.
The arrival of Azizova and Tagizadeh to the youth team is intended to give new impetus to young talents. Moreover, Farida made a name for herself at the junior level, winning the youth world championship, and subsequently distinguished herself several times at the adult world championship, and repeatedly performed at the Olympics. In short, she came a long way before ending her career.
While Taghizadeh was remembered as one of the most technical athletes, he won the European Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games. Of course, he has less coaching experience than Azizova, but there are prospects for further growth.
A new chapter is opening for the women’s team as well. For a long period of time it was headed by the Korean Sun-Min Park, but now the post has been entrusted to Gunay Zeynalova. We definitely have talented taekwondo players, but they still have a long way to go before they start shining among the elite.
The Federation’s focus on young specialists is quite understandable. Preparations will be carried out with an eye on Los Angeles, and even the 2032 Games. After all, the last cycle almost turned into a disaster: the only license to Paris was won. Gashim Magomedov actually saved the reputation of our school by reaching the finals of the Olympics. Also timely was the appointment of Mamed Abdullayev to the post of head coach of the men’s team, who managed to correct the critical situation in the team.
Therefore, the next season will be a new challenge not only for the athletes, but also for each coach individually.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Taekwondo Expert
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. There have been some significant changes in the Azerbaijani taekwondo team recently, particularly with new coaching appointments. Can you shed some light on the implications of these changes for the team’s future?
Expert: Absolutely! The appointment of Gunay Zeynalova, Farida Azizova, and Aykhan Tagizade as coaches is a pivotal step for Azerbaijani taekwondo. These young professionals bring a wealth of experience and are well-positioned to mentor the next generation of athletes. Their fresh perspectives and strategies could invigorate the team’s training approaches and performance in upcoming competitions.
Editor: Speaking of experience, I understand that both Azizova and Tagizade were involved in the Gymnasium Games in Bahrain shortly after their appointments. How did their immediate participation in a tournament influence their integration as coaches?
Expert: Their direct involvement in the Gymnasium Games was crucial. It allowed them to quickly establish rapport with the athletes while also assessing their performance under competition pressure. Eljan Aliyev’s silver and Seidkhanim Mamedova’s bronze medals are commendable achievements that not only highlight the potential of these athletes but also demonstrate Azizova and Tagizade’s impactful leadership from the start.
Editor: That’s a great point. It seems like they’ve jumped right into the action. How do you think these new appointments will affect the athletes’ morale and confidence as they prepare for the new season?
Expert: New coaching staff can create a renewed sense of energy and motivation within the team. Azizova and Tagizade are not only mentors but also relatable figures who understand the challenges young athletes face. Their guidance can enhance both the technical skills and the mental resilience of the players, likely boosting morale significantly. Moreover, when athletes see immediate success, as evidenced by recent medal wins, their confidence naturally receives a substantial lift.
Editor: What qualities do you think set these new coaches apart, and how might they influence the athletes’ development moving forward?
Expert: For starters, both Azizova and Tagizade are recent competitors themselves, which gives them an edge in understanding today’s competitive landscape. Their familiarity with current training methodologies and competitive tactics allows them to introduce innovative training sessions tailored to the athletes’ needs. Additionally, their ability to connect personally with the athletes can foster a supportive environment that promotes growth and encourages open communication.
Editor: As we look toward the new season, what kind of expectations should fans and supporters have for the Azerbaijani taekwondo team under this new coaching regime?
Expert: With these enthusiastic and talented coaches at the helm, expectations should be high. We can anticipate a more dynamic and focused training program that emphasizes skill development while also prioritizing overall athlete wellness. Fans might witness the emergence of new talents as well, as these coaches are adept at identifying and nurturing potential. Exciting times lie ahead for Azerbaijani taekwondo!
Editor: Thank you for your insights! It sounds like we should keep a close watch on the upcoming developments in Azerbaijani taekwondo. We look forward to seeing how these new coaching appointments will shape the future of the sport.
Expert: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about what’s to come and will be cheering for the team as they embark on this new chapter.