Sports legends

I will begin with a traditional question: how came to wrestling?

In the 1967th year we with friends had a spontaneous desire to be engaged in wrestling. Free-style wrestling then was very popular in Checheno-Ingushetiya, here to us – 13-14-year-old boys – and wanted to join it. Romanticism in sports activities those years, certainly, was. Well and strong there was a wish to become, learn to stand up for itself.

- It was necessary to train much?

We trained really much. From Oktyabrsky district of Grozny I almost every day came on Dynamo stadium. I got at once to trainer Degi Imranovich Bagayev who always put before itself and the pupils the highest tasks. Loadings it gave the big. Sometimes it seemed to me that I won't sustain. That in a year all my friends with whom I registered in wrestling, left it – speaks about much. But I am glad that I had enough endurance and patience to overcome the first years of trainings. They really were very difficult. Then it was slowly involved in process, I got used to loadings. In four years of purposeful and persistent trainings I managed to increase 40 kg. muscular weight. Without exaggeration I can tell that without that physical and technical basis that Degi Bagayev put in me in youth, I wouldn't reach big heights in sports.

- The well-known Chechen wrestler Bekhan Tungayev said that you were very persistent and hardworking. What else qualities helped you to achieve big successes in wrestling?

Not to speak to me about the best qualities, but without false modesty I will tell that with life I was helped always by commitment. As for wrestling, I achieved successes in it in many respects at the expense of equipment and the speed which gathered in the course of long-term trainings. When I came for the first time to wrestling, was distinguished with nothing from contemporaries. Only big work helped me to reach certain results in sports. I always say to young wrestlers that the most outstanding talent without a facet in the form of persistent trainings, is possible. And it concerns not only sports.

- What was your first serious success?

In the 1970th year at the age of seventeen years in Urus-Marten I won the championship of Checheno-Ingushetiya. Now ridiculously to speak about it, but for me it was a significant event. Then to me appropriated the first adult category.

- How your sports career further developed?

In 18 years me called in the Rostov SKA. In army sports club those years there were many athletes of decent level. So, among them I was easily dissolved with the 1st category. Moreover, me with my twin brother Hussein sent from a sport company to a communication regiment. It was in November, 1971. Then my career of the athlete could come to the end, so plainly and without having begun. Frankly speaking, I even thought that I should spend two years out of wrestling that, certainly, would affect results. But on January 8, 1972 Degi Bagayev's efforts me again transferred to a sport company. This day can be considered as a starting point of my wrestling career. And I then with interest compensated the passed four months of trainings by diligent trainings.

- Then that Degi Bagayev already then saw at you good potential?

That Degi Bagayev possesses good intuition, he proved the high achievements in a trainer's field. And on the other hand, each 17-year-old boy can win against adult men not. Here Tags, probably, also I thought that from me the quite good wrestler can turn out.

- Successes in army sports club were?

It is necessary to tell that after return to a sport company I began to train more strongly, than before. First, for some months missed wrestling, and secondly, I understood that meanwhile to become the big athlete or to be one of one thousand rated sportsmen – there is only thin side. And first of all work (or absence it) can rock scales in this or that party. I made the choice – I wanted to become the good wrestler. Speaking about my successes in army, in 1972 I became the third in the championship of Armed forces of the USSR. Then, when me transferred to Moscow in CSKA, in the same 1972nd year in the championship of Moscow I became the second, having lost only to the master of sports of the USSR of the international class Morozov. For the first three places in the championship of Moscow appropriated a rank of the master of sports of the USSR, but I didn't manage to receive it as in a year from first-rank sportsmen at once I stepped in "foreign affairs specialists".

- Whether you could assume then, what you will become the world champion?

First, that private who doesn't want to become a general is bad. Though we will be honest, at that time even it was improbably difficult to become the champion of the USSR – level of the Soviet school of wrestling was so high. But I trained, and in that case much, the dream of a victory in the World Cup isn't fantastic, and has under itself a basis.

- When you invited in youth USSR national team?

In the 1973rd year I consistently won zone superiority of Russia, then superiority of Russia and acquired the right to fight on All-Union youth games and superiority of the USSR among youth which took place in Alma-Ata. I too won these competitions. After that me also invited in youth USSR national team. Then in Alma-Ata the Chechen wrestlers made the real furor. Besides me three more our guys became winners: Musan Abdoul-Muslimov (to 68 kg. ) playing for Karaganda (he won the ending not against somebody, and future Olympic champion, the champion of Europe and 4-fold world champion Pavel Pinigin from Kiev), Salimkhan Dzhamaldinov (to 82 kg. ) representing Makhachkala and Salman Hasimikov (to 100 kg. ) as well as I representing Grozny. Plus to it, the silver prize-winner in category to 52 kg. there was one more resident of Grozny Vakharsultan Akhmedov.

- In the seventies to leave to the western countries for the Soviet person, was related to flight on the Moon. You remember the first impressions of a trip abroad?

Certainly, I remember. To leave to the capitalist country those years - it was valid business difficult. It were able to afford either diplomats, or cultural figures and the sports, having high achievements. So it turned out that I at 19-year age left out of borders of the country, and at once to the United States of America where superiority of the world among youth was played. Miami Beach – a small resort in the State of Florida, struck with a huge number of hotels and hotels. After end of superiority of the world USSR national team moved to New York where we stayed three days. Impressions of the Broadway, Statue of Liberty, 102-storeyed skyscraper Empayr Steyt Bilding, Bruklinsky Bridge, Tayms Square for a long time remained in my memory. Whether it is necessary to say that shops in America were filled up with goods of which in the Soviet Union at all had no idea. In total around caused delight and surprise. When after arrival home I shared impressions of a trip with friends, it seemed that some not especially trusted me: so my stories seemed fantastic. For example, nobody could even present to a door on photo cells.

– Before a trip to the USA "competent authorities" didn't learn how it is necessary to conduct itself there?

Checked citizens leaving abroad on reliability then thoroughly, especially, before a trip to the USA. Me, for example, called in special department on interview not only in Grozny, but also in Moscow. My twin brother Hussein also invited to "confidential" conversations. But, fortunately, to carp to employees of "competent authorities" there was nothing.

- It is known that to Miami Beach you became the winner of superiority of the world among youth. What impressions remained from the tournament?

Strangely enough, I had no big problems in one wrestling therefore, especially and there is nothing to remember. I remember, in a semi-final with the German I solved: to put to me it on a touch or not. It could affect our team rivalry with Americans. That is I want to tell, whether that the question will be won by me on the agenda stood. In the ending, it is remembered, I laid the Bulgarian. As a whole that superiority of the world among juniors was remembered by that from four gold medals won by the Soviet wrestlers, three fell to the share of the Chechen athletes. Besides me, in category to 68 kg. I won against Musan Abdoul-Muslimov, and in "stolnik" Salman Hasimikov took priority. After a victory on superiority of the world among youth to me appropriated a rank "The master of sports of the USSR of the international class" that, certainly, became for me strong incentive for further intensive trainings.

- The way to a title of the champion of the USSR of 1979 was difficult?

I will begin with that those years it was more difficult to win the Union, than to win in the World Cup. At least from this logic I was very glad to that victory. Besides, without having won national championship, would be naive to dream of large European and world tournaments. It is natural if I don't win in July in the USSR championship, in August on the World Cup somebody would go to San Diego another. To a title of the champion of the USSR I went the thorny road. In 1974 I because of a trauma couldn't make a speech at the allied championship. In 1975th I won the Sports contest of the people of Russia, but in the Sports contest of the people of the USSR for the family reasons I couldn't participate. In 1976 in the USSR championship I took the 4th place, but won in the championship of Armed forces of the USSR, and in October won the Cup of the USSR. In 1977 in the USSR championship I became the second after Anatoly Prokopchuk from Moscow. The same year I from CSKA passed to the society "Dynamo" and at once won Dinamiada. And I acted then in interests of national team in category to 100 kg. In the ending, I remember, I won against future world champion Roland Gerka's this category from GDR. In the 1978th year in the USSR championship I became the third after the same Prokopchuk and our Alash Daudov playing for Kharkov. In general, in the years of my performances in the championships of the USSR in the second average weight (to 90 kg. ) many Chechen wrestlers fought. This is the same Alash Daudov, Bekhan Tungayev, Alaudin Utsiyev, Ahmed Atavov.

- And here we approached to the most successful for you to year...

The 1979th year really became for me very successful. It began several tournaments won by me. In July in Moscow I became the winner of the VII Sports contest of the people of the USSR, having won during tournament against the main rivals Anatoly Prokopchuk and Alash Daudova. In parallel I passed the USSR sport committee championship Muscovite Solovyev became which winner. Wrestling between us also defined the champion of the USSR of 1979. I won and respectively began to prepare for the World Cup.

- On the victory in the World Cup of 1979 in San Diego as you will comment?

I still remember that World Cup in all nuances. With the score 9:2 I won against strong German Uwe Noypert the ending. I was very happy that didn't bring the country, the team, the fans. By the way, in the World Cup of 1979 me recognized as the best wrestlinger of tournament. USSR national team as a whole then acted successfully, having won six gold medals from ten possible. Among winners there was also Salman Hasimikov who by then was already playing for Moscow. It was improbable that two representatives of the Chechen school of wrestling in one year became world champions. But very few people know that in San Diego could and one more Chechen wrestler - Musan Abdoul-Muslimov, however, the representative of the Kazakh school of wrestling had to wrestling. He became the champion of the USSR, but on the World Cup for some reason carried Ukrainian Nikolay Petrenko who became only bronze prize-winner.

- Houses reception was hot?

That's not the word for it. I assumed that celebration will be hot, but such rough emotions couldn't imagine. Me took on "Seagull" across all Grozny, there were many congratulations, meetings in working collectives. The main celebrations were at stadium of S. Ordzhonikidze before a match "Terek" - SKA (Rostov-on-Don). I for the rest of life remembered the overflowed stadium which in a uniform rush chanted my name. From one reminiscence goosebumps on a body run. To me presented a soccerball with autographs of team players "Terek". When I left from stadium, shouts of fans from all directions were distributed: "Hasan, throw a ball". Well, I also threw it somewhere up on a tribune. I thought that the destiny itself will choose the most lucky. It is curious that nearly thirty years later courses of life brought together me with that person who got a ball. Visit to us home the 1st secretary of the Checheno-Ingush REGIONAL COMMITTEE of CPSU of that time Alexander Vladimirovich Vlasov who has expressed gratitude to my father for education of the son became the memorable moment.

- Then that the American earth became happy for you?

Then that so. Besides victories in the youth and "adult" World Cups, I still won the USA on the World Cup. There was it in Toledo in March of the 1979th year. Then I won against the owner of tournament, Olympic champion Benjamin Peterson the ending.

– Now cars give to wrestlers for a victory even on regional tournaments. And you for a victory in the World Cup than awarded?

I was given opportunity to buy the Volga car at the state price. Someone now, probably, will grin, and the young generation at all won't understand about what I speak, but before free of charge gave away nothing. Don't count my words excessively pathos, but before athletes fought for prestige of the country and the people.

- To the capital didn't suggest to move after a victory in the World Cup of 1979?

To me and after a victory on youth superiority of the world high sports officials from Moscow, Leningrad, Minsk suggested to replace a residence, but after a victory in San Diego, Kiev and other large cities especially persistently suggested to play for their clubs. Offers were very tempting in the material plan. But nevertheless I preferred to remain in Grozny.

- Why?

You understand, for me the word "patriotism" there was not an empty phrase. The athlete of high level I became in the Chechen Republic. Without moral support of many people, I think, wouldn't reach such heights. Though from height of age I understand that it was possible to be the patriot, playing for other region. If, for example, I managed to get on Olympic Games, and then to win there, I after all wouldn't cease to be Chechen. And everything would be to spit, in what city I trained.

- In the Olympic 1980th year in April on the European championship to Czechoslovakia there went Sanasar Oganesyan. Why carried it when the USSR championship which in many cases is a qualifying tournament to the main competitions, took place in May?

In December, 1979 my father died. Naturally, in Tbilisi international tournament which began in few weeks, I didn't participate. Sanasar Oganesyan became the champion of tournament in Tbilisi just also. Following the results of Tbilisi tournament, as a rule, USSR national team on the European championships also was formed.

- In the 1980th year not all champions of the country went on the Moscow Olympic Games. You can clear a situation at least concerning category to 90 kg. ?

Declared selection to Olympic Games the USSR championship that in practice didn't become. In four categories to Moscow on Games there went silver prize-winners of the championship. So, in category to 48 kg. instead of the champion of the country Roman Dmitriev there went Sergey Kornilayev, instead of Tasoltan Hatagov (to 62 kg. ) took Magomedgasan Abushev. In category to 74 kg. Elbrus Koroyev became the champion of the country, but on the Olympic Games there went Pavel Pinigin. In my weight Anatoly Prokopchuk became the champion, but on the Olympic Games took Sanasar Oganesyan. But if Abushev and Oganesyan won on the Olympic Games, concerning Kornilayev who has won a bronze medal and Pinigin, become only the fourth, to trainers there were questions. And present, what to the athletes who become champions of the USSR and haven't got on Games. After all in the life they passed the most important competitions on not to the obvious or far-fetched reasons.

- In semi-heavy category (to 90 kg. ) too there was a big intrigue. Couldn't tell about it?

As for rivalry in my weight category (before it was called as the second average weight), from time height I see many mistakes. And almost everything can be carried them to my inexperience in behind-the-scenes games. I understand that there are facts and statistics, and emotions all rest. The facts say that Prokopchuk became the champion of the country, but on the Olympic Games there went Oganesyan. Without putting, naturally, under doubt of a merit of these wrestlers, I want to tell for the first time the vision of that situation. I managed to approach to the USSR championship in a good form. I understood that if I will manage to win on the Union, I can quietly prepare for the Moscow Olympic Games: trainers wouldn't dare to strike off the list of Olympians of the person who has won all the tournaments in previous year, including the World Cup, and in a year Olympic continued a victorious gait. Especially as I surely won against Uwe Noypert in the World Cup of 1979 and on the international tournament in March, 1980. That Noypert whom trainers of the national team considered as the most dangerous rival of the Soviet wrestlers. That some wrestlers fought with me with the last bit of strength, and under others laid down as if on a beach, I don't want to speak. I had a feeling that the rate is made by trainers of the national team not on me. But besides, I didn't attach all this significance.

- But on the Olympic Games nevertheless there went Sanasar Oganesyan?

The victory with a gap in 12 points is equated to a touch. Therefore left so that Prokopchuk became the champion of the USSR. But as he also assumed (or I knew for certain) on the Olympic Games took Oganesyan. I remember how trainers to Prokopchuk's combined victory over me as if he won Olympic Games rejoiced. And as a result it appeared only a pawn in game. It seems to me, trainers to the championship relied on Oganesyan. After that you start thinking, can most it was worth playing for Moscow. And to Oganesyan I have no claims: to the honor he won on the Olympic Games though Noypert still claims that it cruelly condemned in the ending. But it already from the crafty. The winner is always right, and I only kill pain from the soul – after all for each wrestler the real Olympic Games in what he participates.

- Who was your strongest opponent on a carpet?

The same Anatoly Prokopchuk, Sanasar Oganesyan and German Uwe Noypert were serious rivals. The first became the quadruple champion of the USSR, the winner of the Sports contest of the people of the USSR, the champion of Europe and the world. Sanasar won in the European championship, the world and Olympic Games. Noypert two times became the world champion, three times – Europe, the vice-champion of Olympic Games. Weak wrestlers don't dream of such titles at all. But nevertheless I want to note that I managed to win against them.

- In what there was their force?

Prokopchuk was very much selenium physically. Therefore its wrestling was under construction on hands. It was possible to play him at the expense of the speed and equipment. Oganesyan, by the way, just also was such high-speed and technical wrestler, he fought more below. He could be changed tactically. Noypert, appear, at all had no weak places. With it it was necessary to leave and, using all the resources, to wrestling up to the end.

- Weight drove much?

As a rule, from 6 to 8 kilograms. In 1982 I made a speech at the last USSR championship in category to 100 kg. It is curious that at the beginning of 1979 I made the decision to act in category to 100 kg. But Bagayev forbade me it to do Tags by the strong-willed decision. As a result that year I became world champion in 90 kg. There would be I world champion in category to 100 kg. - still question.

- You had "crown" receptions?

Without being physically superstrong wrestler, I staked on equipment. In my arsenal there were many perfected receptions, but favourite from them "mill" was most.

– You happened to wrestling on many international tournaments. Remember the brightest.

Any victory on the international tournament very much inspired me as I successfully protected a flag of the country. I won on tournaments Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Mongolia and some other countries. I remember tournament in Freiburg in March, 1980 - shortly before the Olympic Games in Moscow where I surely won against German Uwe Noypert, the champion of Europe and the numerous prize-winner of the World Cups Ivan Ginov from Bulgaria, future prize-winner of the Moscow Olympic Games Alexander Kishon from Poland. Also the IX summer University games in Bulgaria, passed in August, 1977 are remembered. I approached to the ending with a serious injury of a foot. Trainers even wanted to remove me from wrestling, but I made the decision to wrestling though it, probably, was precipitate: it was impossible to step into a foot. Especially as I had a rival the champion of Europe and the numerous prize-winner of the World Cups Shukri Akhmedov – the ethnic Turk playing for Bulgaria. The Vasil Levski stadium jam-packed, supported in the beginning the wrestler, but seeing my sufferings, began to applaud me. Though I lost that wrestling on points, already then understood that is ready to big victories.

- When you left big-time sports?

I won in amateur wrestling many titles, but the Olympic Games and remained my not achieved dream. Sports are very hard work and if there is no high aim, to exhaust the organism there is no sense. For the sake of a victory on Games I was ready to subject the organism to wearisome trainings. After I didn't get on the Moscow Olympic Games, I was overflowed by offense and there was any internal devastation. Unsuccessful performance in the USSR championship of 1982 in Ordzhonikidze (nowadays Vladikavkaz) where I became only the sixth became a last straw. It is better to act multiple injuries prevented. I considered that to the following Olympic Games on pricks I hardly will hold on and decided to leave wrestling. Life showed that I made then the correct decision: in 1984 the Soviet Union boycotted the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. So many athletes didn't manage to realize dream of all life. The official farewell from big-time sports mine and Aslanbeka Bisultanova took place in 1984 in the Grozny circus.

- Than you were engaged after withdrawal from big-time sports?

After completion of career it was appointed the chief of a team of internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR. Before the first Chechen war of 1994 I worked as the vice-chairman of the Checheno-Ingush FSO "Dynamo".

- In a trainer's field didn't try to prove?

It is possible to become the trainer, having a certain character. First of all enormous patience. I didn't try to test at all on a trainer's field, understanding that it not mine.

- The Olympic champion in free-style wrestling Alexander Ivanitsky somehow told: "To me people, at which at home "glory corners" are ridiculous. My medals in any paper bag". Whether you agree with this statement?

- Unfortunately, war didn't leave to me an option: at me didn't remain awards to solve where them to store. The house in which I lived, as a result of hit of an incendiary bomb, completely burned down with all property. But then to think of medals when people perished, didn't come to mind. There was time when I understood that all my achievements in wrestling remained only in memory. Any documentary facts testifying about we wash the sports past, somehow cups, medals, diplomas, photos, at me didn't remain. And it was sad for me. But some medals in the form of copies nevertheless managed to be restored. It is remarkable that the restored medal of the world champion on celebration of my 50 anniversary to me was handed over by ninefold Olympic champion Larissa Latynina.

- By 60 years on health there are complaints?

On health, praise Supreme, complaints aren't present.

- You honourable citizen of the Chechen Republic …

I very much am proud of this rank, especially it is written out at honourable number 01. Even more I am proud of that the first President of the Chechen Republic Akhmat-hadzhi Kadyrov (I gave геч Doyle цунна) appropriated me it. By the way, the idea of celebration of my 50 anniversary entirely belongs to it. I, to be honest, was against it. I motivated with that the Chechen people which have worried two war can not understand these festivals. But Akhmat-hadzhi Kadyrov explained what exactly for the people it and becomes. That people believed in tomorrow, seeing that, despite difficulties of life, celebrate the best sons of the Chechen people. Akhmat-hadzhi Kadyrov possessed progressive thinking. In it is mute there was a rare combination of mind and endurance, courage and kindness, honor and advantage, rigidity to enemies and kindness to people around. It is undoubted that Akhmat-hadzhi is a historical figure. I am very glad that with it was familiar and had cordial relations.

- You visit almost all republican tournaments on wrestling. How you estimate level of present Chechen wrestlers?

I will begin with that I visit not only wrestling tournaments, and many public actions. To it me pushes not only interest to the events, but also responsibility before people. Level of present Chechen wrestlers, of course, raises, but nevertheless much more slowly, than all of us would like.

- What in your opinion it is required to lift level of the Chechen wrestlers?

Preparation of good wrestlers is a difficult process. Modern realities are that that without the Center of preparation of wrestlers it is difficult to raise at good results. And in the center many high quality trainers have to work. Now we have no all this. But we will hope that that hour when representatives of a sport which brought and will bring to the republic the greatest number of medals from the most prestigious tournaments, will have good conditions for training process is near. I want to tell and about an important role which businessmen can and have to play. At all times patrons were the powerful engine of various processes. Certainly, it is necessary to have consciousness to understand that outstanding athletes lift not only the prestige, but also prestige of the people. Therefore any help from business will be to a place. Taking an opportunity, I want to address to the Chechen businessmen: look back around - in various villages, in many DYuSSh there are perspective children who have no opportunity to leave on competitions or collecting. Help them, to you for it it will be rendered. The grain put today will give tomorrow shoots. And as tomorrow is connected with our children, investments will be justified as your children will live not among drunkards and addicts, and among strong a body and spirit of people. As an example of generous and progressive patrons I can call names of Lima of Kasayev, Vakh Agayev, Ibrahim Atayev. I will modestly hold back myself.

- In the wrestling world with somebody you are on friendly terms?

I keep in touch with many wrestlers, in particular with brothers Beloglazov and Sergey Kornilayev with whom spoke at the World Cup in San Diego. Strong I was on friendly terms with Aslanbek Bisultanov - Call your version of three best Chechen wrestlers of freestyle for all the time.

Buvaysar Saytiyev, Aslanbek Bisultanov and Salman Hasimikov.

- For other sports, besides wrestling, you watch?

With a great interest I watch many sports. To list them there is no sense because the list will occupy half-pages. Only, I will note football club "Terek" because of which high-quality game I began to watch for the first time all its matches.

- Funny situations happened in your sports life?

Almost all wrestlers like to joke that often leads to funny and ridiculous situations. But me the episode with a small raid of grief as the described case occurred right after the Moscow Olympic Games where I, unfortunately, annoyingly didn't get is remembered. In the form of "consolation" me and still same as I "not luckies" encouraged with a trip to Syria. Probably, that it was easier to endure bitterness from defeat. And here, I in gloomy thoughts walk on a Damask market. Suddenly one missing dealer stops me and, pointing a finger at my biceps, I ask signs, whether a shtangist. "No, - as with signs I answer, - the volleyball player". It is necessary to tell that this dealer was the remarkable growth and the large invoice. Natural power was felt in it. Literally in a minute having found itself the translator, the benefit in Syria is a lot of the people who have graduated from the Soviet HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, the dealer suggested me to measure swords force on hands. The improvised armwrestling, so to speak. On my refusal maliciously I asked: "Volleyball players in the USSR such cowardly? ". About volleyball players I can tell nothing, but wrestlers precisely not from shy ten.