“Zabihullah Pourshib” In an interview with IRNA on Sunday, the proud captain of the Iranian national karate team described the conditions of the discipline due to the postponement of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, the injuries that Corona caused to karate and his plans for the upcoming competitions, which are described below:
Once again, Corona dealt a new blow to the sport, especially karate. what do you think?
We have been practicing karate and bodybuilding since the beginning of the camps in perfect order, but unfortunately the Asian Games were canceled and now I have to see what happens. The important thing is that we do not stop and continue our work. This procrastination is both good and bad; It depends on how we take advantage of these conditions.
You have seen the most damage from the corona in the last 2 years. How did you deal with this?
I am always thankful to God and I keep trying. Some other issues are not in our hands and we all have to obey events and laws. I participated in 2 Asian Games and won 2 gold and bronze medals, and all my efforts were to pass the filters for the third time this year, become a member of the national team and get the best result. Corona’s situation in China was such that it delayed the games, but my spirits are such that I never get tired of training and competing. After the Tokyo Olympics, I continued to work with those strange events that did not allow me to attend the biggest sporting event in the world.
You mean, like, saltines and their ilk, eh?
This is exactly it. The past does not matter and I think about the future and I definitely practice hard like in the past. Corona has made us ready for any situation and news. All we can do is practice professionally. I have a goal and stopping in this direction causes me to fall behind. I have other events ahead of me and everything is important to me. World Games, the Asian Championship and the Games of the Islamic countries, each of which is of special importance. Finally we are waiting to see what happens and this is the situation for all of Asia. We have to look professional and be optimistic.
The karatekas are mentally disturbed. What do you talk to them about as a captain?
It is definitely a big and hard shock that some may not be able to bear and the path of their championship and sport will change. They may not be able to continue, but from my experience I tell my teammates that time passes very quickly and the next matches are coming. The situation is the same for all Asian athletes, and professional athletes take a positive view of this issue. I know it’s planned, but we have to deal with it. It is right for us to continue with strength, and I hope that in this situation, the officials of the federation and the country’s sports will have the necessary support from the athletes.
In the last Asian Championship, you were the only Iranian karate gold medalist in the adult age category and in a total of 2 sections for men and women. What are your goals at 34?
From the age of 22, I was told to say goodbye and go (laughs). Karate showed that age does not make sense. I think in many sports, if a professional player practices and lives and takes care of himself, age is one. I have role models in sports that have really impacted my life. I am motivated and I have been able to work for this position that I have gained over the years. I have won the national team sacred shirt hard and I will not lose it easily. I will serve the national team as long as I am useful.
There was not even a single option of karate in the top ceremonies of the Iranian sports century, despite the many honors. Aren’t you upset about this?
In recent years, karate has achieved great success in the team and individual divisions, and both the players and the coaches have achieved the best results in the history of this discipline. In these 10 years, Iranian karate has set different records and broke the same record, which shows how successful they have been. Unfortunately, karate was not among the best in the field of players and coaches, and this field was not favored. The experts who conducted this election have certainly made a big mistake.
The final word?
Let the athletes of our country continue their work with strength. The situation is the same for all continents, and in this direction we need the support of sports organizations to be proud of important events for Iran again.