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Interview: Qais Ashfaq vows to "come back stronger"

Sports Mole speaks to Team GB boxer Qais Ashfaq following his elimination in the semi-finals of the 2015 European Games.

Team GB boxer Qais Ashfaq has vowed to learn from his defeat in the semi-finals of the 2015 European Games on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old lost out to Belarusian Dzmitry Asanau in Baku, and must now wait for the outcome of Thursday's final to learn whether he has qualified for the World Championships later this year.

Ashfaq admitted that he was disappointed to miss out on a spot in the final, but is confident that he will fulfil his goal of claiming a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.

Shortly after his bout, Sports Mole spoke to the bantamweight, who has secured a bronze medal.

Team GB boxer Qais Ashfaq celebrates after beating Giorgi Gocatishvili of Georgia at the European Games on June 17, 2015 © Getty Images

Unlucky out there Qais, was that a tougher fight than you expected?

"To be honest, it was exactly what I expected, but I just didn't really feel myself today, even when I was warming up. I just didn't feel myself, but that is part of the experience and I will come back stronger. By the time the Olympics come around, I will be ready to win that gold medal in Rio."

Despite the disappointment, can you be proud of what you have achieved here? You have put in some great performances...

"This is really my first major senior tournament - apart from the Commonwealth Games, which wasn't really a major. I have won a medal here and I am getting better and better."

You seem to be very level-headed about the future, which is good to see. Will this act as a positive learning curve?

"I know that I have learnt a lot from this experience. I am still young and getting plenty of experience now. I know myself that that was not me out there tonight. That wasn't my best performance, but I know that as long as I do perform 100%, then I can beat these kids.

"I took him close today and I wasn't feeling very good, I was feeling a bit worn down, but I know I can beat these kids and I can take a lot of confidence from performing at a high level, even on a bad day."

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Matt Law
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Great Britain's Qais Ashfaq in action during his bout with Giorgi Gocatishvili of Georgia at the European Games in Baku on June 17, 2015
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