The death of his father and trainer Khabib Nurmagomedov Abdulmanap from the effects of the coronavirus was a tragedy for the whole world of mixed martial arts. Existing athletes, specialists, experts and functionaries expressed condolences to the family and remembered the main milestones of his career.
Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the president had already contacted Nurmagomedov Jr. and conveyed his condolences to him. They also commented on the incident at the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation.
“There was no outstanding coach, a wise mentor who raised many champions in combat sambo and wrestling. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov devoted his whole life to the training of high-class athletes and the popularization of martial arts. Thanks to him, his son Khabib Nurmagomedov made great strides in mixed martial arts. I want to wish the family of Abdulmanap Magomedovich courage and resilience in order to bear this bereavement, ”Minister Oleg Matytsin commented on the incident.
Former world boxing champion, State Duma deputy Nikolai Valuev also noted the importance of a specialist for Russian and world sports.
“It’s always sad to hear such news. My father himself died prematurely, he could do a lot. I express my condolences to Habib and to the whole family, relatives of Abdulmanap. The greatness of people is determined by their deeds, and he brought up not only Khabib. Thanks to his deeds, Russia is known all over the world, ”the Championship quotes Valuev.
Kamil Gadzhiev, president of Fight Night Global, a Russian promoter, described the death of Nurmagomedov as a huge loss.
“This is a huge loss, and you cannot say otherwise. Despite his young age, he managed a lot, is an example for so many people. An example of faith in oneself and one’s business. This is a man who changed the course of history in Russian sports and immortalized his name, ”TASS quoted Gadzhiev as saying.
Former UFC Russian fighter Oleg Taktarov recalled his visit to Dagestan, where he came at the invitation of the Nurmagomedov family.
“I look at these frames and understand that a piece of me is gone. Sleep well, my friend. You have realized yourself both as a coach and as a teacher. I think the students will continue your work, ”Taktarov commented on the video.
View this Instagram post
Publication by Oleg Taktarov Oleg Taktarov (@olegtaktarov_official) Jul 3, 2020 at 5:17 PDT
For many, the news of the death of the coach was especially unexpected, given the fact that in mid-June there was information about an improvement in his condition. Then Nurmagomedov Jr. confirmed that his father was taken out of an artificial coma and even reacted to the words of family members.
“I'm in shock! There are no words! It’s sad when good people leave ... Condolences to family and loved ones, ”Sport24 quotes ex-world champion Konstantin Tszyu.
Former Bellator champion Alexander Shlemenko admitted that he understands the feelings of Habib. He wished his colleague strength and patience.
“One of the greatest coaches in the history of our sport has left. Abdulmanap could raise many more champions. He proved by deed that his methodology works. She is known all over the world. The loss is simply huge for Dagestan and world sports, ”the Championship quotes Shlemenko.
The UFC lightweight champion himself has not yet made any statements regarding the death of his father. In September, his duel should be held with American Justin Gatzy. Bellator fighter Sergei Kharitonov advised him to reschedule this meeting.
“But this is my advice, Habib makes the decision himself. Still, the loss of a father is a great grief. Moreover, Abdulmanap was both a father, and a coach, and the closest person. I wish him to take courage, to survive this pain. We are always nearby and also worry, ”Kharitonov emphasized.
WBA and IBF boxing world champion Denis Lebedev also noted the importance of Abdulmanap in his son’s life.
“Once my mother died, and this greatly prevented me from pursuing a career. The light went out in my eyes. I hope Habib doesn’t. In any case, the choice is his. But parents are for life, they are not chosen. And Abdulmanap devoted his whole life to battles, was the coach of his son. He is more than a father. We know how in the Caucasus children relate to elders. This should be the case in all of Russia, ”Sport Express quotes Lebedev.
With a kind word I remembered his student, MMA fighter Eduard Vartanyan.
“Abdulmanap was a strong-willed trainer, he constantly controlled us, everything always went according to plan. His favorite phrase was - "added." As he was a coach, he was also a man, ”said Vartanyan.
Other active athletes expressed their condolences - Peter Yan, Alexander Emelyanenko, Albert Tumenov, and Alexander Volkov noted that Nurmagomedov was a mentor for all Russian fighters.
The huge response to the incident from representatives of other sports also speaks of the importance of the coach’s figure. The famous handball coach Evgeny Trefilov paid tribute to the hard work of a specialist.
To gallery page
“Abdulmanap made himself, forged. You can take off your hat for his work. It is a pity that this damn disease takes away caring trainers. This is unfair. But caring people, as a rule, leave first. Those who root for their cause soul. I express my deepest condolences to the family. Let him rest in peace, although, of course, it would be better if he were with us, ”Trefilov complained.
Former Anji mentor Haji Hajiyev said that with his work and contribution to the sports life of Dagestan, Nurmagomedov deserved to rename the stadium in his honor. Also commented on the incident by the General Secretary of the Boxing Federation of Russia (FBI) Umar Kremlev, head coach of the Russian national football team Stanislav Cherchesov, Spartak, as well as the famous sports journalist Vasily Utkin.
“To live a life like Abdulmanap next to Khabib can only be developed along with him. I believe this is a tremendous happiness. His son didn’t just follow their proposed path. It turned out to be a true guess too ... Their business is becoming common. One support to another, an incentive, is simply the source of real life, ”Utkin wrote in his Telegram channel.