Armais Sayadov – Armenian who proud of Azerbaijan

Armais Sayadov who call himself Mais came to European Championship. This person was our republic representative in different competitions in Soviet times. Armais Sayadov is Armenian by birth but he refused to leave Baku in spite of Neftchi ex-footballer Eduard Markarov proposal. Ex-World Champion and silver prize winner of European Championship gave an interview to our website.

 What do you do now?
I live in Ukrain. I work as referee. Sometimes I work as specialist. For example Vugar Ragimov (55 kg) follows my advices. I always watch his shape. Vugar is not bad wrestler.

 You brought up many sportsmen.
Yes. Kamandar Medjidov, Mahaddin Allahverdiyev, Elchin Jafarov, Bahram Murvetov – they all are my pupils. Allahverdiyev was my main discovery. He was a little boy when he came from Sumgayit.

 Who invited you to Baku?
Mahaddin came to Ukraine several times ago. Tournament among veterans held here. Mahaddin invited me to come to Azerbaijan. I was confused, you know why. But he told me: “Azerbaijan is your native land. All Azerbaijan wrestlers know you.” It is true. I spent all my energy on Azerbaijan. I ate Azerbaijani bread.

 You walked with Azerbaijani flag…
I walked? I kissed it. And I proud of it.

When you were in Baku last time?
Five years ago. One of my pupils – Vitaly Abdishev – helped me.

 Could you walk in Baku?
Yes. I could. I was in Shikhov beach. I walked there. City center changed so much.

 Do you want fight for Azerbaijan one more time?
Sure.

What can you say about World Championship?
Organization is on very high level. But new rules spoild everything. What sportsman can do for one minute? Draw can’t define winner.

Can you single out somebody from our wrestlers?
Farid is the best. He will struggle for victoty in Beijing Olympics.