Gevorg Manukyan: "I really liked the action of the President of Azerbaijan"

Yesterday on the Internet videos spread of the ceremony of awarding the winners of the boxing competitions at the European Games in the category up to 91 kg by the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where among the medal holders there was the Ukrainian athlete of  Armenian origin, Gevorg Manukyan. According to azerisportcom, when he was declared the winner there was a disapproving rumble among the audience, but Ilham Aliyev with a gesture asked the audience not to boo the boxer, after which the audience started applauding. The President thanked the audience for their understanding with a  hand gesture. Also, the audience remembered the warm handshake of Ilham Aliyev, which he exchanged with Manukyan. The President of Azerbaijan has demonstrated to all that sport and politics are different concepts, which  should not be confused.

We present for your attention an interview with Gevorg Manukyan.

-What are your impressions of participating in the first European Games in Baku?

-I have a very positive impression of participating in the First European Games. The organization of the Games was at the highest level. I enjoyed it, the organization and conduct.

-Has the injury you received during the European Games, because of which you were not able to fight the Azerbaijani boxer Abdulkadir Abdullayev, healed?

-Yes, it has healed, it was a minor injury.

-How would you assess your chances of winning, if you had not been injured?

-Before receiving the injury, I was in good physical shape. I participated in four fights, I won them all. It's hard to answer your question. So conceptually, it is difficult to assess someone’s chances of winning.

-Have you walked the streets of Baku,  explored the city?

-I have liked Baku very much. This is a very beautiful city, I would like more to walk around it and admire its beauty. But first of all I came to participate in the European Games and the most of the  time I was in the athletes' village. So, I didn't have much time to walk. I was very well received in Baku, and I have no complaints about anyone.

I really liked the area of ​​the State Flag of Azerbaijan. As far as I know, the flag that is installed on the square reaches a length of 70 meters and a maximum width of 35 meters. It is a beautiful flag and the promenade of Baku is really beautiful. Baku is an unusual town, where modern buildings coexist with ancient buildings.

-At the awards ceremony the audience first greeted you with a disapproving rumble. I would like to know your opinion on this matter ...

-Everything went well. I did not pay much attention to it. I liked the action of your president. He is a good man. He shook my hand and said I was a good boy and wished me success. I have a very good opinion of him. It is a great honor that the award was presented to me by the Azerbaijani President.

-You probably know that between Azerbaijan and your historical motherland, Armenia, there is a war over Nagorno-Karabakh. 20% of Azerbaijani territory is occupied, about 1 million Azerbaijanis became refugees. The reaction of the audience at the Azerbaijani name with the ending "yan" is linked to this ...

-I have heard about this conflict. I know that there is a war, but I am not much interested.

-Did  you talk to the local population during your walks in Baku?

-Yes, I spoke. Maybe they would not have communicated with me if they  found out that I have Armenian roots. And generally speaking, the Azerbaijanis are very sociable and hospitable people.