Azerbaijan, Baku, June 3 / Trend M. Aliyev /
Azerbaijani gymnasts have achieved their goal at the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships in Vienna, vice-president of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Altay Hasanov told journalists upon his arrival at the Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
"While preparing for this championship, we set certain goals and objectives, and now we can say we have achieved them," Hasanov said. "Our gymnasts won silver medals. The competition was tough, it was hard, but we were second after the Russian team, which is a very great success. Those familiar with rhythmic gymnastics understand very well the level we have reached."
With regards to the performances of Marina Durunda and Lala Yusifova, vice-president of the Federation noted that the gymnasts began joining the major competitions only this year.
According to Hasanov, the gymnasts replaced Aliya Garaeva, an experinced gymnast who retired from the sport following the Olympics cycle. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan retained its fourth position in Europe.
"So, we have not given in our positions, but strengthened them, and this is a great achievement. Therefore, I congratulate the entire staff of the Federation headed by Mehriban Aliyeva. Congratulations to all the sports fans," Altay Hasanov said.
Recall that the junior national team of Azerbaijani team in rhythmic gymnastics performed successfully in the final of the 2013 European Championship in Vienna, received pretty high marks by the arbitrators - 16.55. This result gave silver medals to the Azerbaijani gymnasts. Individual gymnasts also performed in all four finals of the 2013 European Championship. The best result was shown by Marina Durunda (fifth place).
Answering a question about the upcoming Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships in Baku, Hasanov noted that Azerbaijan has extensive experience in organizing international events in the field of culture and sports.
"Thus, the management of the European Gymnastics Union is confident that Azerbaijan will hold the championship at a high level, and we can achieve this. The organizing committee has been established in Baku and has held its first meeting. We are getting ready to hold the tournament at a high level. Hopefully, next year we will have successes in Baku," Hasanov emphasized.
European Championship will be held in Baku on June 13-15, 2014. Competitions will take place in the Olympic gymnastic complex, which is currently under construction.