This time our guest is Mahsati Hamzayeva, a member of the Azerbaijan National Boxing Team. Azerbaijani boxer spoke about career, adventures, and difficulties.

Born in 1994 in the village of Vesli, Goranboy region, our guest received his first education at the school named after Rashid Ibrahimov. She knew that her teachers were supportive because she was always involved in sports at school.

When did you start doing sports?

- It happened by accident. In general, they thought that I would have a boy before I was born. So I was raised as a boy. My brother was born after me. From an early age, he was enrolled in sports. We lived in the village of Goranboy, and the training was in the district center. So I took my brother away. So I started training. True, there were no professional classes in place. But they were taught the basics. So I started doing kickboxing.

What challenges did you face in making this decision?

- The location and girl want to be involved in sports. Everybody began to say a word. Things like "You're a girl, your nose will be broken, your face will go bad," and "You won't be taken away." Nevertheless, I did not give up. In the area, I was involved in kickboxing, MMA, lifting weights.

How was your arrival in boxing?

- I realized that I could not do sports in the region professionally. I heard that a national women's boxing team is gathering in the capital. In Baku, I met a Zahid teacher. He is an honored trainer and has trained a number of well-known athletes. As a student, I realized what a real sport is. Here I learned how to train properly, feed with the regimen, prepare for competitions.

How do you remember your first race?

- I forgot the name of the city, but it was in Russia. It was the third or fourth month of boxing. I was third in that race. It was a great success for me. Because boxing is not so easy. There are only three blows: Straight, bottom and side. But each one must be done with precision. It is possible to combine them together and develop different types of blows. Therefore, it is not easy to give results.

When you came to Baku, that is, your family was protesting when you decided to become a boxer?

- No one. On the contrary, my parents were very supportive. My father raised me as a boy. My mother's dream was to become an athlete. They supported me until the end, ignoring any outside voices. For this, I thank my parents. If they had not been, I would have been the mother of two children, or I would have had a different fate. Thank you for supporting me. So there was no country, city, culture I didn't visit, my worldview increased. I did not grow up as ordinary village girls. So I owe it to my boxers and my parents.

What was the reaction of your relatives?

- They used to say that (laughs). I've heard so many phrases like "What do you want a girl to do for sports?" If I had thought about all of this, I would not have achieved anything. Therefore, you need to move on, not trusting others, but trusting those who really support you. Already, after your success, everyone is eager to be with you. When I return to the race, Hardan has been calling me, saying good words for many years. They are already interested in everything I wear - rugs, medals and royalties. Because of this, I'm bad. They did not support me in my worst time, they ran to me as if they were successful.

Let's talk about your success in boxing ...

- Champion of the Republic. I am number one in the country. I have participated twice in the World and 2 European Championships. As in all sports, boxing has a lot of injustice. You are suffering and some referee hits the ground. Otherwise, I was on the list of awardees at the 2016 World and European Championships. When I tell someone who is not in the sport, they lose me, they treat you strangely. They always say the same thing about why others can succeed. But everything in boxing is completely different. There are many things that cannot be said.

What has been your most difficult fight?

- In general, there is nothing easy. I lost my right to win medals at the World and European Championships. But in all the battles I get excited. Because of how often you suffer, you have a responsibility to those who believe in you. And these factors cause a person's excitement.

Are women athletes more or less than the men in Azerbaijan?

- Men and women are different. Therefore, our preparation processes are different. For us, the program is different than ours. Because men have more tolerance than women. It is not right to compare them. Each one is completely different. For this reason, it is easier for women to produce results. There are many who participate in races at the same weight. This is why boys' races are becoming more intense. We have 5 athletes in some weight categories. If you lose 2 or 3 opponents in the Republican competition, you can win. That is why it is easier for a responsible woman to succeed in boxing.

Do you want to get into the ring with any Azerbaijani male boxer? 

- To be honest, it is impossible for the lady to fight until the end. Yes, we train with them. But it is impossible to fight until the end. Because there is a significant difference in the strength of the blows. Sometimes a 13- to a 14-year-old boy is hit so hard that his whole body lingers.

Can you specifically invite a boxer to a duel?

- In fact, it doesn't matter. If anyone comes, I will fight to the end and try not to eat easy,

Is there a difference between the female athletes and the ladies in the boxing federation?

- All athletes are different depending on the results. The resultant person is always superior to the other.

What was the tournament that you remember so far?

- I forgot my dates, but I remember all the competitions. The training session in China was the most interesting for me. As a general rule, travel to all countries gives you time for excursions. We went to historical sites, the Chinese barrier. It was my childhood dream to see that place. It was a highlight for me.

Is there any boxer you are worried about in the world?

- The British, the Russians, the Koreans and the Indians are fighting well. It is not so easy for us to conclude that women's boxing is late. Their athletes have been training since childhood. Or their parents are boxers and impart their knowledge to their children. For this reason, women's boxing is lagging behind those countries. But at the moment, this difference is about to be overcome.

How do you generally end your athlete's career?

- It is not so easy to say. If I have a serious injury, I can think of it. But I can't stay without sports. I found myself here. I can't get involved. Until the end of my life, I will be in sports. I train or try myself in another sport. Now I can't say anything. Because nothing happens as we have planned. Whatever God advises, so does it.

Does Ms Ashley Hamzayeva imagine herself as a future MMA or UFC fighter?

- If my teacher advises, why not? I have been practicing kickboxing, my footsteps are normal, and I know a lot of wrestling. My physical condition is favorable for this. If I have any advice in the future, I can test myself in those competitions.

What sports other than boxing are you interested in?

- Wrestling. I watch training there. I look at the races pretty well.

What are you doing outside the sport?

- I keep the animal. When I see injured dogs and cats on the street, I bring them home and heal them. One day my family will drive home (laughs). I'm not a bastard, but I can see that someone is hurt by animals. I will break that man's mouth and nose. I love listening to music. I listen to songs all day. Music is the food of my soul. I both calm my brain and release my fatigue.

Is Azerbaijan an ideal country for female boxers?

- We have a lot of good boxers, but not like foreigners. I think more attention should be paid. After that, our results will improve. We have very good, well-trained coaches. In the past, there were more problems with mental issues. Now we see that the parents themselves need the coach's attention. Now our thinking has changed. So I think we are moving towards becoming an ideal boxing country.

Are you an example for someone in your district, like a boxer?

- After 2012 I visited Goranbo only 2 times. Actually, I don't live there. Because there are so many rumors. My relatives are not interested in sports either. But when I stay in Baku, my parents come and see me. They ask, how hard is the training? I answer them patiently. This is what makes them interesting. But if they see my nose and blood in the rehearsal, I don't believe they let their children do boxing (laughs).

Many think that sports are not compatible with education ...

- More and more people in Azerbaijan are interested in science. Most of the athletes are alumni of the Academy of Physical Culture and Sports. But there are several athletes I know personally who have been well educated. I am also a graduate of the Academy of Physical Education and Sport. However, I know English and Russian. I am able to speak at a level that will give you an interview. I read fiction, but when I read a book, he is asleep at about twenty pages (laughs).

What are the benefits of being a boxer?

- Special attention is paid to sports in Azerbaijan. Many councils and events pay special respect. Many are trying to invite as guests. Indeed, in our country, athletes are treated with special love. I have always felt this.

Have you used your athletic skills in your personal life?

- I hurried somewhere to the Narimanov park. A boy was betrayed. He told me to come and run away. At first I didn't think. There was a bully. First, I tried to explain it in words. I also felt the blow from behind. I applied to the boy what I learned in kickboxing. He had a bad day and his shirt was torn. I had another girl with me. He said to the boy, "Go home, if they ask you, you will beat me." I'm not really a scandalous one. I like to be able to say the exact opposite. I have to explain it even when it is not received.

The envy of the ladies is always at the forefront. Have you ever felt something like this on the national team?

- This is the case everywhere. But we have more friendly relations. If any of us have a problem, we work together to solve it. Speakers are everywhere, but we can find ways to talk about them. We are a slap in all our problems.

Would you accept if the person you want to marry asks you to leave boxing?

- I think it is a bit far removed from the sport after getting married. But I want my marriage to be an athlete. At least be the one who understands this area. Because being an athlete tomorrow may cause personal problems. When you attend training sessions, don't let me call you and tell me what you are doing.

As a boxer, do you recommend an Azerbaijani woman to do this sport?

- Sports keeps you healthy. Everyone should do sports. It is a lady who has a childhood feud. Those people should not be left empty. They can be formed as good athletes. These girls are very persistent. It is better for them to be involved in sports than to join someone and destroy their lives.

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