Interview with Mr. Vladimir Vinnikov who is leading the training sessions in Almaty

An international training camp is hosting in Almaty as the first step of the preparation for the Asian Games. Next to the Kazakh teams, Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan are also taking part in the training and sparring camp in Almaty where Ukraine’s top coach Vladimir Vinnikov is leading the sessions and we asked him about his opinions.
This training camp is organised in the scope of the Asian Boxing Confederation Development Program. ASBC President Mr. Serik Konakbayev attracts specialists for the purpose of training, improving technical and tactical skills and obtaining real results in those boxing countries of Asia where there was stagnation, but there is a desire to develop.

– Vladimir, how do you feel yourself in the training camp in Almaty?
– I want to thank to Mr. Serik Konakbayev and the whole team of the Asian Boxing Confederation for the opportunity to participate in this project for the development of Asian boxing and share my experience on a joint training with the teams of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka, which I now represent.

– What are the most important factors of the current training camp in the Kazakh capital city?
– We are provided by best living conditions, training halls, transportation and spare time options, everything is organized very professionally. As it was indicated from the first training there is a big issue with the school of boxing, we are getting back to basics, and we put emphasis to the athlete’s ability to work on any distance and with any opponent.

– In which elements need to be developed the Kyrgyz boxing team to reach the top level of the Asian countries?
– First thing – is the lack of international experience, also weak financial support and lack of experienced coaches within the regions. Now I see very professional approach. The coaches have changed and I am enjoying very much this joint training. They ask questions about the technical aspects and it is clearly written down, everything is documented, this team with the new coach Daniyar Jusubaliev will be succeeded. I saw four very interesting boxers in the Kyrgyz team. We are writing individual plans for their training, I think they will have good results in the upcoming big events. The main thing is that there is like-minded people and good material for the work.

– What is your opinion about the Sri Lankan boxing team and how can they develop in the future?
– I like the team of Sri Lanka, it is growing every day, I am sure they will get a goal to take Olympic licenses for Tokyo. Good management, the President of the Federation treats my work with understanding and they have a very professional team of coaches.

– Who is the best boxer in the training camp in your opinion?
– The best boxer will be indicated after sparring on February 23.

– What are the main strengths of the Kazakh boxers which delivered for them several Olympic medals in the recent decades?
– I watch very carefully the Kazakh boxers, the first thing that distinguishes them from the rest is discipline and respect for their coaches, without this there would be no victories.

– Who was your best pupil in your coaching career? Could you please summarize it in a few sentences?
– My best pupil is Ukraine’s former AIBA World Champion Taras Shelestyuk, of course.

– What is your main goal as a coach in the future?
– My ambition as a coach is to get medals at the Olympic games in those countries where there was no result before – from the bottom. I can achieve the result, I believe in my team of Sri Lanka. In this country there is a huge potential in boxing. If you work according to plan, everything will turn out. Thanks to brotherly Kazakhstan for their hospitality.

– Many thanks for your kind answers and for the interview.
– Thank you.