Baku, Azerbaijan, June 26
By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:
Petr Koukal, a badminton player from the Czech Republic, says he has come to the Baku 2015 European Games to win a medal.
"The first step has been taken," Koukal told Trend. "I have won in my group."
The athlete believes it is a great start to the tournament.
"Winning the medal of the first European Games means a lot to me," said Koukal, adding that the level of the organization of the Games is stunning.
"I was at the Olympics in London and Beijing, as well as at the Winter Olympics in Sochi as an employee of the Czech Olympic Committee," said the athlete.
"But I feel like I am at the fourth Olympics," Koukal further said. "I don't feel any difference."
He said the Baku 2015 Athletes Village is wonderful, adding that there is an excellent hall for competitions.
"I have been also pleasantly surprised by the level of training of volunteers, they speak very well in English, they are friendly and are always willing to help," Koukal added.
He further said Baku is very beautiful.
"And I am speaking on behalf of the whole Czech delegation: we really like this place," said Koukal.
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 came to Baku to represent their nations over 17 days of competition. Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.
