Lyudmila Li: “No one can be considered as a weak in sports”

The press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation has talked with a coach, Lyudmila Li from Uzbekistan.

Is it your first visit to our country?

“Yes, this is my first visit to beautiful Azerbaijan. I have only positive feelings about your country. I am delighted with Baku. Although, there was not so much time to walk in the city, but, I had seen some buildings with interesting constructions on our way from the airport to the arena. I am also impressed with your sports base of an Olympic level meeting the international requirements.”

How are your trainings going?

“Actually, our trainings are going in a quite intensive way, as we expect high results from the FIG World Challenge Cup in Baku. We hope very much to achieve the goals set.”

Are you content with the conditions created at the arena?

“The conditions here are very good and we are completely content with. There is no fault to be found (smiles).”

Lyudmila, could you, please tell us about the gymnast you have come to Baku with?

“I came with Dilnoza Abdusalimova. She is 21-year-old. Dilnoza participated in such large-scale competitions like the World Championships in Antwerp (2013), Nanning (2014) and Glasgow (2015), as well as the Asian Games in 2014. One of her recent achievements was the 4^th place at the World Universiade and the Asian Games held last year. Unfortunately, we could not found ourselves within top three. It was very disappointing but it made us to work even harder. As you know, we have the strongest gymnasts in Asia. Therefore, the level of rivalry is also very high. Nevertheless, she became the fifth in the all-around, after two Chinese and Japanese gymnasts.”

What are your expectations from the World Cup in Baku?

“Currently, we have a slightly different training program. As she is the second gymnast of the country after Oksana Chusovitina, she has another objective and needs to "do" the all-around this time. The main thing for us is a stability rather than difficulty value. Although, it does not coincide with the goals of the World Challenge Cup, I still hope that we will compete and reach the finals.” 

Whom do you consider as your main rivals in the forthcoming competitions?

“You know, no one can be considered as a weak in sports. We see a rival in each competing gymnast.”

Finally, could you please talk about your future plans?

“Our main goal for the near future is the Olympic Games in Rio. I wish good luck not only to our own gymnasts, but all athletes in their preparations for this year’s major competitions.”