At merely 15 years old, Rozmatbek Azizullayev took to the powerlifting platform for the first time, facing a group of experienced rivals with remarkable resolve.
In the midst of the high-stakes atmosphere, the young athlete displayed no signs of trepidation. He approached the barbell with unwavering focus, executed his lift flawlessly, and achieved a podium finish. For Rozmatbek, this was not just a triumph; it marked the commencement of his athletic journey.
Born in 2004 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, Rozmatbek grew up in a humble family that emphasized the importance of hard work and persistence. His father, a mechanic, and his mother, employed in a local sewing workshop, instilled in their children the belief that success is earned through effort and resilience.
Yet, it wasn’t solely his upbringing that inspired his ambitions. His true motivation stemmed from witnessing his older brother, Shaukatov Daniyar, achieve extraordinary feats in the realm of powerlifting.
“I have a brother whom I aspire to emulate. He is Shaukatov Daniyar, a Master of Sports of International Class, World Champion, record holder in World Championships, and a multiple-time champion of Asia.”
At age 13, Rozmatbek resolved to take powerlifting seriously. He embraced a demanding training regimen that encompassed not only lifting but also nutrition and mental fortitude. This comprehensive approach quickly started to show results.
By 2019, his dedication led him to his debut major competition at the Republic of Kazakhstan Championship in Almaty, where he proudly claimed a place on the podium for the first time. This early success opened the door to a series of achievements that would shape the next phase of his career.
From 2020 to 2024, he took part in numerous national competitions, consistently setting new records and earning the esteemed title of Master of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an accolade given to the country’s top athletes. Each success not only bolstered his confidence but also ignited his ambitions.
Rozmatbek’s dreams extended beyond his home country. In 2021, he made his international debut at the World Championships in Oradea, Romania. Competing against some of the strongest lifters worldwide, he finished in second place—a noteworthy accomplishment for a newcomer in the sport.
Eager to continue his progression, he returned to the World Championships in 2022, this time held in Istanbul, where he once again earned a silver medal, further affirming his status as an emerging star within the powerlifting community.
While proud of his accomplishments, Rozmatbek remained focused on continuous improvement. “I train with individuals who have won world and Asian championships multiple times. I work alongside Sadykov Kahraman Shavkatovich, the Honored Coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan in powerlifting.”
His growth is closely linked to his coach’s mentorship, which has aided him in honing his techniques and addressing the psychological pressures of elite competition. Coach Sadykov’s guidance has proven invaluable, motivating Rozmatbek to achieve new personal bests while instilling crucial discipline.
However, his rise has not come without challenges. Balancing his academics at Shymkent University with a rigorous training schedule requires formidable time management and resilience.
The significant demands from both his studies and training often left him exhausted, but Rozmatbek embraced these hurdles as integral to his journey. He recognized that each struggle presented an opportunity for personal growth, reinforcing his commitment to both his education and his athletic ambitions.
His tenacity has yielded recognition as one of Kazakhstan’s most promising young athletes. Yet, Rozmatbek’s vision reaches beyond his own aspirations.
He envisions becoming an honored coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan, leveraging his experiences to mentor future lifters.
“I dream of becoming a champion and want to set many records in this sport so younger athletes can look up to me and aspire to achieve similar outcomes. I also wish to become an honored coach to foster champions from the younger generations.”
Firmly believing that success is attainable for anyone, regardless of their beginning, he actively seeks to empower younger athletes, providing guidance and support whenever possible.
As he prepares for upcoming competitions, Rozmatbek is resolved to challenge himself further, aiming for gold medals at future World Championships and establishing new records to reinforce his legacy.
Every competition presents not only a chance to demonstrate his abilities but also an opportunity to inspire those who admire him. With each lift, he seeks to create a legacy that encourages others to unlock their potential.
Fueled by a pursuit of excellence, he envisions a future in which he not only competes internationally but also shapes the next generation of champions, ensuring that his influence on the sport endures for years ahead.
