Akmola region boxer became the winner of the tournament in Bulgaria – "The Strandja's Cup".
Sabyrzhan Bekbergenov in an interview to the official web site of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation has shared impressions after the victory at the international tournament and has told about plans for the current year and also about the competition in the national team.
- Sabyrzhan, we congratulate you on the victory at the Strandja Cup in Bulgaria! What do you feel after the victory?
- I am happy and satisfied with the gold medal. For me this victory is the first on the international level. I hope the victory will help to feel more confident before new starts.
- Initially you set a goal to become the first in the category?
- Yes, we with coaching staff focused to compete at the tournament successfully and to win the final. The tournament was international with many strong boxers. I didn't know my opponents well. I always wanted to win and this gold medal is just beginning.
- What kind of fight was the most difficult?
- Fights are never easy. Sometimes the rival is well prepared and motivated but another time the health may affect. In the final it was especially difficult and I felt the pressure as I was the only representative from Kazakhstan. Therefore I was extremely ready and well prepared for the final as for the last fight in career. I was glad to win after all. I did my best. I would like to mention coaches who gave me proper directions and supported throughout all tournament. They have brought a huge contribution in my success.
- What tasks do you set this calendar year?
- There are a lot of tasks for this year. In several days we will be home to recovery and have a rest before new competitions. Everything will depend on the decision of coaching council. This year the Asian Games in Indonesia will be the most important tournament. At such tournaments coaches usually watch us and make decisions. The competition in the national team is strong and everyone is trying to show the best skills.
- In your weight category 64 kg you know Bekdaulet Ibragimov whom you have conceded in the final of the last year's Kazakhstan Championships and also Kuan Kuatov and Sanatali Toltayev. What will you tell about the competition with them?
- The Kazakhstan boxing school is always one of the strongest on the planet therefore in any weight we have strong boxers. Everyone has purposes and tasks because they want to be champions. I will do anything to win the competition with Bekdaulet, Kuan and Sanatali. They think the same. It is sport and it is impossible without the competition.
We will remind, Kazakhstan have won five medals in Bulgaria. Besides Bakbergenov's "gold" Nurbol Kalzhanov (56 kg), Michail Kokhanchik (81 kg), Abzal Kuttybekov (91 kg) and Kanagat Maralov (69 kg) have won bronze medals.
