Vugar Suleymanov
Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Chingiz Mammadov
Veteran of the First Karabakh War and member of the Azerbaijan amputee football teamIntro
In this interview, Chingiz Mammadov, a veteran of the First Karabakh War and member of the Azerbaijan amputee football team, shares his journey from being a football enthusiast before the war to rediscovering his passion for the sport after losing his leg.
He reflects on how joining the amputee football movement in 2018 allowed him to reconnect with his childhood dreams and how he now serves as an inspiration for younger players, especially those who were injured in the Second Karabakh War. Mammadov also discusses his role in boosting team morale and his love for both local and international football clubs.
Summary
In Chingiz Mammadov’s opinion, football has always been an important part of his life. He recalls that his love for the sport began in his childhood, and for about ten years, he nurtured the dream of becoming a professional football player. However, when the First Karabakh War broke out, his plans were interrupted, and like many young men of his generation, he felt the call to protect his homeland. Mammadov joined the war effort as a young soldier, and as a result of his service, he lost his leg.
Despite this life-altering event, Mammadov never lost his passion for football. He explains that, although his dream of playing professionally was cut short by the war, he was able to reignite his love for the sport when he learned about the creation of the amputee football movement in Azerbaijan in 2018. Joining the team felt like a return to his youth, as if he had been given a second chance to pursue his dream. Mammadov proudly describes how the amputee football team has now gained the status of Azerbaijan’s national team, and he considers it an honor to be part of this movement.
At 51 years old, Mammadov is one of the older members of the team, but he continues to play and sees himself as a role model for younger veterans. He notes that many young people who lost limbs during the Second Karabakh War look to him for guidance and inspiration. When they learn about his age and see his dedication to the sport, they are encouraged to follow in his footsteps. Mammadov takes great responsibility in boosting the morale of his teammates and sharing his experience with the younger players, teaching them the skills and values he has gained over the years. He believes that his role extends beyond the football field, as he helps these young veterans find hope and purpose after their injuries.
Mammadov plays for the "Victory" club and is a passionate supporter of the Sumgayit football team in Azerbaijan. On the international stage, he admires Real Madrid, which he describes as one of his favorite clubs. His love for football, both locally and globally, continues to be a source of joy and motivation, even as he navigates the challenges of living with a disability.
Ultimately, Mammadov’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of sports to heal both physically and emotionally. Through his involvement in amputee football, he has not only reconnected with his childhood dreams but also become a mentor and inspiration for a new generation of veterans.
