Interview with Azerbaijani Raphael Aghayev, gold medalist in the -70 kg Kumite category of the XVIII World Karate Senior Championship in Tampere

Rapahel Aghayev is a WKF Karate Community member

1. How do you feel? Did you expect to get this far at the start of the Championship?

I have always thought of the gold medal from the beginning, I am very content.

2. Who do you dedicate this medal to?

I dedicate this to my country, Azerbaijan.

3. What do you think was the key to victory?

Knowing my rival very well (the Belgian Vandeschirck) was the key. It wasn't the first time I had face to face combat with him; in fact, I lost in our last encounter.

4. When and why did you start karate?

I started when I was only seven years of age. In my country karate is a very popular sport.

5. What does karate mean to you?

Karate is my life.

6. How did you find the level of sportsmanship in this Championship?

The level of Karate was very high, which surprised me a lot.

7. Why do you prefer kumite?

I prefer Kumite, it's combat.

8. What was the most important moment in your life as a karateka?

The gold medal obtained in Championships

9. Do you think that helmets should be used during Championships?

I don't agree, it would result to a loss of tension and would avoid total mobility.

10. In your opinion, in what way can the practice of karate as a sport be promoted?

Without a doubt to be able to organize quality competitions, there must be continuity. The fact that the referees were more objective would also help much.