We can see from year to year Khadzhimurat Zoloyev gain his strength. Successes of this athlete cause only delight. Authority which enjoys Khadzhimurat in armwrestling world seems to be limitless. Hardly anyone Top 16 sportsman can imagine will be able to say that he sees a worthy opponent in Zoloyev. Haji has repeatedly proved to the world that it should never be written off. Today Khadzhimurat Zoloyev talks about his path to the Top 16.
 

There’s not much information about Top 16, but many people want to participate in it. How do you think what is the feature of this project?

At first I heard about this grate project on Europe Championship. I can’t even imagine that this project will be realized too soon! To the World Cup rumors about the project has only intensified but there were no specifics, alas.

But I set a goal - to prove myself worthy to Nemiroff to draw organizers attention as a possible Top 16participant. So I enrolled in a weight class - up to 95 pounds. But as many know I failed in Open class. I made a series of blunders impermissible for a professional. This fact greatly upset me, because in my head was an idea that I missed my chance to speak at the Top 16. But recently I received an invitation to this project! It means that my name is listed to the strongest armwrestlers of planet. So I'm very glad, full of confidence and determination. In the upcoming event allow the slightest mistake means to lose, so I'll go to the table the most prepared.

How do you imagine Top 16?

I'm become a participant of the tournament organized of Igor Mazurenko is not at first. Therefore I am confident that the project will be very promising and exciting. Each sport brainchild of Igor is a grand celebration, not only for athletes but also for all concerned to our sport.

Why did you agree to participate in the project?

We all strive for new achievements. In my life I have achieved a lot, and Top 16 is something new, the unknown. As we know, secrets attract attention. For me, this project is a new goal, a new motivation, a new challenge.

The appearance of the project, which has little that is known, can be risky. Do like to risk?

I do not like to take risks. But if you risk, you should do it within reason. For example, I like to take risks with only one - to participate in the Open category.

What do you expect in the Top 16?

Top 16 - a gladiatorial contest! It's simple: you win or you lose. You have a little choice. Therefore, you need to strive to have your name in the list of the best.

Do you think that participation in the Top 16 is the reward?

Absolutely! We need more same projects. For example, many people know me thanks to television but broadcasting is organized on the good-quality commercial tournaments. Fame - a ladder in career, sponsors and advertising, and contracts.

If not Top 16, then what?

As always: Russia, Europe, Worlds, A1, Nemiroff and Kalmykia championship at the end.

We have published a list of potential participants in the Top 16. Do you think anyone in it is not enough, and who was there unjustly?

In my opinion, in the list of Russian athletes is not enough my friend Dzambolat Tsoriev. He can spoil a lot of nerves to present composition of Top 16. I will say this: if he was invited, we would have seen a completely different Tsoriev during the tournament. Well, there are no John or Michael from Americans; it's weird. More is definitely not enough disqualified Liliev, Babaev, Kvikvinia .

When you know the list, how do you see yourself among these sportsmen?

Strucked by the fact that I am small comparatively to rivals. Nevertheless, I do not lose heart and tune in to the best result. I will try to climb as high as possible.

Will Top 16 be a place of Alexey Voyevoda’s return spot? Could he repulse the attacks of the world's leading armwrestlers?

Voevoda is highly developed athlete, very experienced and clever. And we did not assess its future success or failure. Only Alexei can deal with it. And we can only watch.

In the Top 16 there are no weight categories, it's like Open class. What do you think, is it true that when you select the strongest?

For such an athlete as I division depending on their weight is profitable. If several weight classes is introduced, then I think it would be interesting for the audience. But, as I understand it, it is still in the future. The main thing is to start, and then everything goes on the thumb ... The main thing is that in the Top 16 we do not see any giveaway - everyone will fight to sweat.

Now Khadzhimurat have valuable resource - time. Start of the Top 16 is scheduled for spring 2014, so come - a long and persistent training, eliminating errors, planning new tactics and strategies. Liters of sweat left in the gym, obviously will not shed in vain. But competitors are not asleep; they know how epic battles they will have. Therefore it will be interesting to see how high will climb Khadzhimurat Zoloyev at the first season Top 16.

Artur Grigorian © Gra