Interview with Navbakhor Khamidova, gold medalist of the recent Asian Men's and Women's Boxing Championships in Jordan, student of Samarkand State University

      - Why did you choose boxing as a sport?

      - I watched with great interest the participation of Uzbek boxers at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Our boxers achieved very good results that year. I was very impressed when I saw how they cried with joy when the flag of Uzbekistan was raised on the podium and when our national anthem was played. I felt the desire to become a champion in my heart. Everything started after that. I have always been interested in boxing. But I didn't do anything special. After this incident, I started attending boxing classes.

        - What is your most memorable victory?

      - My victory at the Asian Championship, held in Jordan. In the final fight, I won the Asian Championship by defeating Choi Honggeun from South Korea. That was not easy. I consider this victory the result of many years of tireless work, hardships and hardships that I endured away from my family. But everything was forgotten as soon as I saw the raised flag of Uzbekistan with a gold medal on the world podium. It's hard to put these moments into words...

            - What do you think is the secret of your success?

      - Diligence, patience and, of course, God's help.

        How do you accept defeat?

      - They say that defeat and victory always go together. Of course, there are no victories without defeats. It's important to do it right. If you lose, then you are missing something to achieve your goal. In this case, it is necessary to continue working on yourself without falling into depression. You need to work harder. I always accept defeat.

      - What is sport for you?

      - Sport is my life! I gave from parents, loved ones and our home all year round. This requires constant preparation and training for competitions. After that, the team, your mentors and your constant training, which are part of your life, become your family...

          - Have you ever thought about quitting the sport?

      - Yes it was. When I lost in a series of competitions, I was depressed, thinking that maybe I am not a boxer. In such situations, my teacher Elshod Rasulov encouraged me spiritually. Because of my teacher, I tried to get out of this situation by working hard.

      - What do you think sports can give a girl?

      - If the dreams and goals of a person are the door, then sport is the key that opens this door. Some girls are afraid to take bold steps towards their dreams. Firstly, sports gave me the strength to go towards my goals.

    

      - How much do you think boxing is developing in Uzbekistan today? Do you have any additional suggestions?

      - Boxing in Uzbekistan is developing very well. Uzbek boxers are enthusiastically recognized all over the world. All this is the result of the attention of the head of our state and the conditions created. But it's fair to say that we don't have women's boxing on par with men's boxing. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that many consider boxing an inappropriate sport for girls. But any sport, if practiced diligently, serves as a guarantee of a healthy life and achievement of goals for a person. Everything I have achieved so far is thanks to sports. The fact that my country and the President stood behind me always gave me strength. For this, first of all, I am grateful to my country, my parents, my coaches in the place where I study - Samarkand State University.

      - What are your goals and plans for the future?

      - Become the champion of the Olympics and raise the flag of our country high on world pedestals.

 

Samarkand State University

Information Service Officer

Interviewed by Iroda Bekmurodova.