16:12  ,  February 7, 2020

Khadzhimurat Gatsalov: I'll do my best to win medal for Armenia

By Lusine Shahbazyan

Armenian wrestling team newcomer Khadzhimurat Gatsalov said he was happy to join the team.

“The first negotiations on my transition started in October 2019 with the Secretary General of the Wrestling Federation of Armenia Arayik Baghdadyan,” said Gatsalov, Olympic and world champion who used to represent Russia.

“We have been friends with Arayik for a long time, he is also in very close relations with my personal coach. We knew that Armenia needed a wrestler in the 97 kg class to replace Georgy Ketoev, as he had weight problems. It was perfect timing as I was also looking for a suitable country, as I still have a desire to fight, and the Olympic Games are ahead.”

Gatsalov said he won numerous times being with Russia, but there is a huge competition in his class in the Russian team. Participation of the Russian Olympic team in Tokyo Olympics is also in doubt because of the doping scandal.

“I submitted my documents and yesterday, February 6th, I received an Armenian passport. The training and preparatory phase is underway,” he added.

In a couple of weeks Gatsalov will take part in the international tournament in Kharkov, and will start training for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Budapest.

“My first official appearance for the Armenian team will be in Budapest. I know that Armenia needs an Olympic ticket. I will do my best to get a ticket and win medals, including the Olympic medal for Armenia.

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