Baku, Azerbaijan, June 18
By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:
Azerbaijani female taekwondo fighter Farida Azizova intends to compete for medals at the first European Games, she told Trend June 18.
The female athlete has commented on her first fight against the Dutch female taekwondo fighter.
"It was a little difficult due to the fact that it was the first fight," said Azizova. "The athlete does not have time to warm up. There is also an additional responsibility because one performs in front of his (her) native fans."
"I'm glad that I have won," she said. "The opponent in the quarterfinals is already known, it's Turkish Nur Tatar. I do not like to plan ahead, but I will go and fight for the victory."
The female athlete also commented on the organization of competitions. "The organization of the Games is at a high level," said Azizova. "The competitions are being held successfully in all kinds of sports, including taekwondo. The organizers spared no effort. These are the first European Games, and the first such major competitions in taekwondo in the country. It is very important for us, taekwondo fighters, since taekwondo is a relatively young kind of sport."
"It is our chance to show the world and Azerbaijan in particular, how good taekwondo is, so that people would enroll in sections and bring their children, and so that they would increase its popularity by all means," Azizova said. "I would like to note that support of fans is incredibly perceptible. There are such moments, especially at the end of the round, when one has little strength left, and then the shouts of support give you a second wind."
The European Games that kicked off in Baku June 12, will last till June 28.
There is a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.
Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.
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