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Pavel Kolobkov: “Unfortunately, there were no European junior fencing championships when I was a junior.” 

 The Olympic Champion, six time World champion, recently appointed Deputy Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth policy of Russian Federation Mr.Pavel Kolobkov was one of the most interested spectators during the first day of the European junior fencing championships, which started in Lobnya (Russia) 25 of October

Mr. Kolobkov, how do You estimate the European junior championships, as a fencer or as one of the heads of the Russian sport?

I cannot distinguish one from another. As a fencer I can say that the importance of the European championships including juniors has risen lately. We can judge about this by the level of organization of the competitions. In Russia we try to conform to it.

Every time,  all the fencing tournaments are held on the highest level in Russia. I hope that the present championship will not be an exception.  Lobnya has already become the heart of Russian fencing. The epee women World Cups, Russian national championships were held here for the last years. In my opinion, Lobnya is ready to hold much bigger competitions. We have everything for this – the perfect hall, a great spectators’ interest, sports facilities, hotels – which are either in the city or very close to it.  

I would like to speak about the spectators. It is nice to hear, that this championship has aroused a big interest from citizens of Lobnya. Unfortunately, usually there are not many people during the fencing tournaments, but today, there were no empty seats and spectators had to stay in the rows and there were not only people who bore a relation with fencing but also ordinary spectators to whom this tournament has aroused a great interest. It is very nice to hear and very important for the popularization of fencing.

Are these competitions important for the development of fencing?

I think, that the more such tournaments we have the better it is. Certainly, if these competitions are impressive, well organized other than those which were held just because they had to be held. For the athletes and especially for the young fencers it is necessary for the tournament to be held on the highest level, so that there are spectators in the hall, and the competitions are covered by mass media. And it seems to me that the present tournament conforms to the highest standards. I feel sorry that at that time when I was a junior, there were no European junior fencing championships.

I say with the greatest pleasure, that there are zonal cadets and youth (under 23) championships. To tell the truth, I was skeptical about the idea of junior tournaments but now I see that these competitions are very important to support those athletes who have become senior athletes to gain a place in the main national team. They give opportunity for such athletes to show his worth and to direct coaches’ attention.

What would You like to wish to those athletes who will fight for the medals of the European junior fencing championships?

A big fencing future. I would like them all to stay in fencing, to see the athletes who participate in Lobnya on the biggest tournaments – European and World championships and Olympic Games. It is in the future, and speaking about the present events I would say: seize the moment, enjoy every bout and strive to gladden those who support you.

Press service of Russian fencing Federation