A judoka with Tajik roots, Mahmadbek Mkakhmadbekov, has changed his sports citizenship. He will play for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For nine years, he represented the Russian team.
“Now it's time to make a decision that will change my life again. It wasn't an easy decision, but my ambitions didn't give me a choice, I can't sacrifice everything I've been through. It was the longest and hardest summer of my life. It's emotionally difficult. But everything that doesn't kill us makes us stronger,” – said the athlete about his decision.
Makhmadbekov noted that from an early age, all he does is train and fight.
“I fight not only on the carpet, but also in life, defending my opinion and my vision of the world. And no matter how many times I was wrong and who stands in front of me, how many times I snatched and fell, but it was always my decisions that I trample my own path in this life. I've had a lot of time to think. I found new strength and crazy motivation to start from scratch and go all this way again… This is my decision, this is my life and I will do as my heart feels,” – said Mahmadbekov.
Mahmudbek Mahmudbekov also explained why he did not transfer to the Tajik national team.
“Many people ask why I didn't choose Tajikistan. At the moment, there are already four top athletes in the 73 kg weight category, and the competition within the team will be very strong. I don't think it would be logical,” – explained Makhmadbekov.
According to the athlete, the high level of competition in the Tajik national team was a decisive factor in his choice.
By the way, this summer Makhmadbekov was invited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to the 2024 Games in Paris. However, later the Russian Judo Federation forced him to refuse the invitation.
Makhmadbekov won the Grand Slam tournaments, became the winner of the European Youth Championship (for athletes under the age of 23).
