According to the university's press service, Nurzat is celebrating 25 years of her professional activity in the field of sports and education. Under her leadership, the "University" team has become the national champion three times and has won the President's Cup of the Volleyball Federation of Kyrgyzstan four times.
— Nurzat, hello! Please share a little about yourself.
— I was born on January 14, 1985, in the village of Sogondu, located in the Alai district of the Osh region. In 2001, I graduated from the Sarban Zhaanbaev School and enrolled in the Osh Humanitarian-Pedagogical Institute in the Faculty of Physical Education, where I received a diploma as a physical education teacher.
In 2004, I became part of the volleyball team of the Osh region. From 2007 to 2009, I worked as a lecturer in the Department of Physical Education at OshTU. Since 2011, I have been teaching at the inter-faculty Department of Physical Education at Osh State University and simultaneously serve as the head coach of the university's women's volleyball team.
— How did you come into sports and coaching?
— My path in sports began in childhood when I was studying at school in Sogondu. From an early age, I showed an interest in physical activity. Initially, I engaged in athletics, and from the eighth grade, I began to seriously take an interest in volleyball. Since then, this sport has become an important part of my life.
— What inspired you to choose a career in sports?
— An influential figure for me was my physical education teacher. Her professionalism and self-confidence became an example for me. That was when I dreamed of becoming a teacher and coach like her. Today, I am realizing that dream.
— Was the choice of volleyball as a profession easy?
— No, it was not an easy choice. Volleyball requires high discipline and constant effort. I consciously chose this path, and in 2004, while playing for the regional team, I realized the full responsibility and competition that exist in sports. This experience prepared me for coaching.
— How do you assess the role of women coaches in Kyrgyzstan?
— It is a great responsibility, especially in an environment where men prevail. You have to prove your place not with words, but with actions. Over time, the results speak for themselves.
— What difficulties do you face when working with girls?
— The psychological aspect for girls is more delicate, and sometimes life circumstances affect their game. As a coach, I must not only teach tactics but also be able to listen and understand them.
— What principle helps your team achieve success?
— The main principles are discipline and mutual respect. In team play, the interests of the team must come before personal interests. Without discipline, it is impossible to achieve stability in victories.
— What support does the university provide to the athletes of the "University" team?
— The university provides us with significant support. The most important aspects are contract payment benefits for team members, as well as scholarships and assistance with accommodation in the dormitory. This creates motivation and helps to combine studies and sports, supporting them both morally and socially. As a result, athletes can focus on training and preparing for competitions. I can say that the systematic support of the university directly affects the success of the team and its results.
— Your achievements, such as the title of Master of Sports and "Excellence in Physical Culture and Sports," are the result of your hard work. What new heights do you plan to conquer?
— Each title imposes responsibility on me. My next goal is to obtain the title of "Honored Coach." At the moment, I am fulfilling the necessary standards and working on the paperwork.
— How do you manage to combine the roles of a mother, coach, and teacher?
— Sometimes I feel guilty as a mother because I cannot always devote enough time to my children. Without my husband's support, it would be very difficult for me to cope with this load. Understanding in the family is an important victory for me.
— How do your children perceive sports? Do they follow in your footsteps or make their own choices?
— No, they made their own choice. We are a sports family, but my children chose football instead of volleyball. Both of my sons play in city teams in Osh in their age categories U15 and U17. My eldest son, Damirlan, is a candidate for Master of Sports in football.
— What advice would you give to young female athletes in today's conditions?
— I would recommend: do not limit yourself to just sports, make sure to get an education. Caring for health, knowledge, and the ability to take care of oneself are the keys to future success.
— How do you see the future of Kyrgyz volleyball?
— In recent years, positive changes have been observed. Our girls participate in the Asian Cups and are already starting to achieve victories, which gives hope for the future.
