Pavel Muratov: it was nice to feel fans’ support in Kazan

Pavel Muratov, the bronze medallist of the men’s taolu Changquan event, shared his experience of the World Wushu Championships 2017 in Kazan.

– You admitted earlier that you hadn’t expected to win a medal. Why?

– This is the event where only the best of the best compete. It is one of the most prestigious events and there is fierce competition here; everyone wants to win. There were 72 competitors, and at least half of them were strong contenders for the podium spots. Even one mistake could send any competitor tumbling from the first place to the 20th. It was important to stay focused all the time. I was not thinking about podium spots; I just wanted to go out and perform my routine flawlessly. The rest was up to the judges to decide. And a little luck helped, of course. It was important for me to perform without mistakes.

– Is it easier to perform at the home tournament?

– Yes, it is. It is not my first world championship, and, probably, if I had competed during my first tournament on home soil, I would have had different mental approach. But I have international experience now, and today I had no jitters before going out on the mat, no nervousness. I knew what I needed to do and how. I heard fans’ cheers during performances, and it is really nice that there was such strong support. It helps the Russian national team.

– Could you try to contend for gold? What did you need for that?

– I think that I did everything I could at that moment. In this event, for me it was my max. It’s very tough to compete against Chinese athletes, not only for me but for everyone in the world. It is their sport and they do not let medals go easily. But we still can and need to try to beat them, but for now bronze is a good achievement for me.

– What is your opinion of the Kazan tournament’s management as compared to previous championships you competed at before?

– It’s great. World-class. I competed at the World Championships in Indonesia and at the World Cup in China; Kazan is surely just as good. The city has vast experience of hosting major sporting events, I’ll give you that.

– What would you say to those Kazan sports fans who still doubt whether they should attend the World Wushu Championships or not?

– Just come and see for yourself. Wushu is a very beautiful sport.