The Olympic champion of Bulgaria in wrestling (cat. up to 86 kg, freestyle) - the naturalized Dagestani Magomed Ramazanov, revealed on the Day of the independence that in his homeland he cannot feel as free as here.
The wrestler has been living and training in Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia for a year, and at the Olympic Games in Paris he triumphed with gold, which brought him the title of "Honorary Citizen". of our old capital.
"Independence for me depends on how much a person wants to achieve it and how much effort he puts into it. It is a noble deed. As a man, I have to take care of peace at home as well. I come from an Islamic country. In Bulgaria the symbols are one, in Dagestan - others, in Russia - third. Unfortunately, in our country I cannot be truly independent. Financially it may be achievable, but my morals and culture do not allow it. To be completely independent and I don't think it's possible, you always have responsibilities that you have to fulfill," he said in the program "This Saturday and Sunday". on bTV.
Ramazanov said that he is still getting used to the euphoria surrounding his triumph in Paris, despite numerous meetings with representatives of state institutions. However, they are not the ones who show him the greatest respect.
"I was more than pleased to become an honorary citizen of the city that carries the history of Bulgaria, the old capital. While I was preparing, I didn't even expect that it would come to this event where I would be so respected. The city as his own", said Magomed and added:
"My village is much smaller, I do not hide my origin, but the medal is for Bulgaria, and especially dedicated to Tarnovo. I know that gold means a lot to the country, even sometimes I get embarrassed when I meet Tarnovali and they shake my hand, thank me. Here is the moment for me to thank the young people who played sports with me for this attitude and sincere respect. And the children who are just starting my way and the way they looked at me when I came home... it was very emotional.
The Dagestan-born representative of Bulgaria is already making plans for the next Games - in 2028 in Los Angeles.
In his medals, he also sees a higher goal - an opportunity to ensure a good future for his children.
"I dream that the next four years will pass successfully in preparation for the Olympics in Los Angeles and in a lot of work with my coach. That's the plan. Why do I do it? Above all, to ensure a good education for my children. I want my boys to be literate, to have an easier time in life than me", he declared.
Ramazanov also has a message for Bulgarians on this holiday:
"To be more humble, to compromise sometimes, patience and then they will be happy".