Before the start of the Olympics, they talked about medals several times. They were not afraid to mention even the most valuable one. But the wrestler Tajmuraz Salkazanov was quite far from her. According to national team coach Erik Capa, it wasn’t just because of performance.
Photo: Martin Medňanský
Tajmuraz Salkazanov and his coach Erik Cap.
“I have nothing to reproach him with. Maybe he underestimated the start of the first duel, that’s the price for the first Olympics. If he had an easier opponent in the first round, maybe it would have given him more of a kick,” said Cap.
The Slovak wrestler performed only one successful grab in two unsuccessful fights, which is very few.
“Salkazanov is not the type for underruns, rather for fast actions and push-outs. Belarus throws very well, Tajmuraz had to be careful. We stuck to tactics,” continued Cap.
The opening of the second half proved to be one of the key moments. Kadimagomedov equalized at 2:2 and the subsequent Slovak challenge was not successful. Together, the wrestler with neutral status got a 3:2 lead.
“He broke Tajmuraz’s knee, I think he did it on purpose. The referee stood there and let it go.’
Cap showed an ostentatious gesture today before leaving the A mat, where Salkazanov already lost to the Uzbek Razambek Žamalov 3:11 on points in the round of 16 on Friday. He marked the judges’ performance ironically with a thumbs up.
“I don’t know what to say. I looked at the German referee during the challenge and he is laughing. They hurt us. The opponent ran away three times and passivity was awarded only once. They moderated it as they wanted. What can be done.
It’s funny to me. I can’t understand that they would allow something like that at the Olympics,” Cap was angry. Slovakia’s coach sees a conspiracy behind these decisions.
“What is it? Belarusian money. The same thing happened at the World Championships in Baku, where Tajmuraz lost again to the same opponent.”
When evaluating the Olympics, Cap helped himself with a traditional phrase. “All wrong,” he sighed.
Next year, the European Championships will take place in Bratislava. For the four-time European champion in the category up to 74 kilograms, Salkazanova, an ideal opportunity to win the fifth title in a row and on home soil.
“Organizing high-level events in Slovakia is an important thing. However, I am sorry that no Slovak politician came to see Tajmuraz. The other athletes were there.
Why? He is not a worse athlete than others. Maybe that would cheer him up. Either we want him as an athlete or we don’t.
Salkazanov loves Slovakia, he knows our culture, he is learning the language and songs, he would like to move here with his family.”
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
