Baku 2015 European Games

Interview: Qais Ashfaq

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 June 2015

Sports Mole catches up with Team GB boxer Qais Ashfaq ahead of the start of the 2015 European Games.

Ahead of the start of the 2015 European Games in Baku, Sports Mole caught up with the Team GB boxers ready to perform in Azerbaijan.

Qais Ashfaq won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the 22-year-old is confident of making another splash in Azerbaijan this summer.

Here, we caught up with the bantamweight in the Athletes' Village.

Team GB's Qais Ashfaq on May 29, 2015 © Getty Images

What have you made of Azerbaijan thus far? Is it somewhere you have been before?

"I was speaking to one of the lads the other day, and I actually came here in 2007 or 2008 for the World Youth Championships and it is totally different.

"When I came, in one street there would be a huge hotel that looked like a palace and in the other, there would be people living in boxes. Now there are so many impressive buildings."

What about the Village?

"Yeah it is great. It is easy to get around, it is a little confusing at times as all the buildings look the same, but it is great. It has everything we need to keep entertained. They have these little bikes in the Village that are great to just jump on and get around. I have lost weight and everything!"

How are you feeling fitness-wise ahead of the start of the Games?

"I feel great. I cannot wait to get in there and compete now. I was doing pad work yesterday and I feel really sharp. I cannot wait to get in there and show people that I am the best in Europe."

What about the team chemistry in the camp?

"We have a laugh and that is great for the nerves. It helps takes your mind off things and helps you relax and get your heart-rate down.

"Sam [Maxwell] said to me earlier 'oh you are coming to this media thing aren't you Qais?' and he said 'great, I can stay relaxed now'. Those were his words!"

What about nerves? Are they ever a problem?

"For me, the nerves kick in once I start warming up. When I am on the pads before, it sometimes feels like my body doesn't want to do anything. I am used to that now, I expect not to feel flying until the end of the warm-up. I am nice and relaxed and ready for the gold."