The Sadykov family from Penza trained their children for high achievements in tennis

The fate of Andrei Sadykov is a vivid example of the interweaving of different traditions, which often happened in the USSR. He was born and raised in Uzbekistan, the blood of Russians, Uzbeks, and Belarusians flows in his veins. And thanks to my Korean stepfather, I also became familiar with the Far Eastern culture. In a word, friendship of peoples. His birthday is November 7, which is also symbolic.

“My maternal roots are from Belarus. When the Great Patriotic War began, my grandmother was evacuated to Uzbekistan. There she met her grandfather. He was a wonderful man, he reached the Reichstag and died there. At the family council, it was decided that his name should be immortalized. That’s why I’m Sadykov, although my father is Russian,” the coach explained.

It is not for nothing that they say that talented children grow up in a family where many bloods are mixed. The main character of the publication is interested not only in sports, but also in music. He performed at bard festivals.

“I was lucky – from childhood I was surrounded by people of high culture, I was drawn to them, tried to take the best,” the interlocutor noted.

Andrei Sadykov came to Penza in 1996 at the invitation of a friend and classmate, another famous Penza coach, Alexander Ekimov.

“I came here to relax, but it turned out that I got a job at the Belinsky State Pedagogical University, at the Faculty of Physical Education, at the Department of Sports Games. A hectic life began there, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills. I grew up there professionally. It was easy to implement the accumulated body of scientific knowledge and methods at the university,” says the trainer. — I was welcome at PSPU because I mastered various sports. And when they found out that I could play the guitar, piano, trumpet, and sing, they completely melted.”

“Balance is important in everything”

“I got into sports thanks to my stepfather, who has a black belt in karate. He came to our family when I was 9 years old. My mother also advised me to follow this path – she is a candidate for master of sports in artistic gymnastics,” recalls Sadykov.

Andrey began his journey in sports in the 80s with martial arts: karate, taekwondo. Then there was a boom in martial arts. Then he became interested in table tennis, in which he became a master of sports, and then in tennis…

“My sports career developed in different ways. Injuries and financial issues got in the way. I am proud to be a member of the Uzbekistan tennis team. Already at the age of 16 I started working with children in a sports club, and I realized that my life would be connected with this. Moreover, even then they trusted me with a group of 80 children. Overall, I have been coaching for over 30 years.”

By the way, sports brought him together with his future wife.

“Dinara was my student, we met in 1997. We got married in 2004. I noticed a girl who was extremely diligent in her studies. I appreciated her modesty and meekness. She has these qualities from her Muslim ancestors; my wife is Tatar by nationality. After the 3rd year, I took Dinara home, to Uzbekistan, to show her parents.”

Andrei’s wife enters the conversation. She noticed that at first they lived in a university dormitory in Penza. However, this did not interfere with family happiness.

“Andrey is caring, but strict. Treats me with understanding. We strive for harmony in everything, we complement each other. For example, at work he is tougher, I try to soften him,” shared Dinara Sadykova.

“Balance is important in everything. In the family I am more gentle, in some ways I even concede the role of commander to my wife. Of course, if this does not concern fundamental issues,” Andrey explains diplomatically. “And the main thing is love and kindness.” “Many people don’t have enough time for family communication, which is dangerous in the long term.”

“I live in 4D”

During the conversation, the names of the younger Sadykovs were touched upon. You rarely see such an abundance of voiced consonants.

“When we were looking for names for children, I remembered that I always liked words that start with the letter “D.” For example, “friendship”. In addition, my wife’s name is Dinara. That’s why they chose the names for their daughters Daria and Darina. And the son had no choice; they found the rare but beautiful Slavic name Dragomir. That’s why I tell my friends that I live in 4D,” says Andrey with a smile.

Is it difficult to coach your own children? Sadykov confidently answers: it’s not difficult, since he initially agreed with them on the division of roles.

“I tell my daughters and son that I am their coach during training. Please contact me at these moments by name and patronymic, like other students. And I am a father at home for them.”

This approach is bearing fruit.

“Dasha and Darina are guys who regularly get into the top ten at all-Russian competitions and are members of the country’s tennis team. Now they are 16 years old, and they still have everything ahead,” Andrei Sadykov is sure.

According to him, the girls are especially proud of their victory at the International Children’s Tournament Junior Penza Cup in 2019. And in early October, Darina and Daria took third place at the Russian team championship, performing as part of the Penza region team.

“We need to teach a person to learn!”

The father and mentor of young athletes said that he tries to teach his children to be independent.

“Each of the guys has their own bank card. We give them money, but we explain that they cannot squander it. And they understand this; they don’t ask to top up the account themselves. The girls have already gone to all-Russian competitions without us. The trust of parents must be supported by responsibility on the part of the children,” says the father of many children.

And of course, Andrei is grateful to fate that he has a son.

“Although he is only 13 years old, I see his athletic potential. This is already a personality. I try to educate through joint activities. For example, we cook pilaf together and play music. We have a tradition of family evenings that bring us closer together. I show by example that it’s cool to know several languages. The children saw that in Uzbekistan I spoke Uzbek,” says Sadykov.

He is sure that it is important to help children achieve their maximum potential. Of course, the Sadykovs want their offspring to connect their fate with sports, but they are ready to accept any of their decisions. In addition, one of the twins inherited an interest in art from their father – Daria draws well.

“Children understand that they have the right to choose, no one breaks them over the knee. Let me remind you that Eastern philosophy teaches a person to listen to himself. This helps to regulate the load, cope with anxiety before competitions, and when choosing a path.”

However, this wise approach also applies to his coaching work. Andrey Sadykov has a motto: “We need to teach a person to learn!”

“MK in Penza”.