INTERVIEWS
Azerbaijan is one of the leader European sports countries that have sports infrastructure
Q: All spheres of life are developing in Azerbaijan. In this context, we would like to learn your views of the government policy of sports in the country…
A: Policy of development of sports in Azerbaijan, which was founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev, is now being successfully continued by president of the National Olympic Committee, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. This policy saw sport acquire mass popularity and promoted Azerbaijan on the international sports scene.
In the last 10 years Azerbaijan has successfully hosted nearly 300 international sports events, including European and world championships. This increased the international Olympic family`s confidence in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani government has done a lot to create sport-of-the-art sports infrastructure in the country. The number of sports facilities has increased 12 percent to reach 10,000. Some 40 Olympic sports complexes, three swimming pools, five stadiums, 12 chess schools have been built. Azerbaijan is one of the leader European sports countries that have sports infrastructure
The number of medals won by Azerbaijani athletes in international events has grown 4.2 fold to make 4,615 medals. Of this, 1,633 are gold, 1318 are silver amid 1,664 bronze medals.
Q: How do you assess the performance of Azerbaijani athletes in Olympic Games?
A: As an independent country Azerbaijani debuted at the Olympic Games in 1996 when we claimed just one medal. In 2000, we won three, in 2004, five, in 2008 seven, and in 2012 10 medals.In the overall table of the London Summer Olympic Games Azerbaijan ranked 30th.And we ranked 24th in the medal table. Azerbaijan ranked 15 among European countries, and third among the Muslim countries. This is really a historical and remarkable achievement.
Azerbaijan is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. And economic development helps the country ensure progress in all areas of life.
Q: What role do sports achievements play in increasing the influence of Azerbaijan on the international scene?
A: Azerbaijan`s international relations have been enhancing and strengthening in the past few years. Azerbaijan is an active member of the International Olympic Committee and European Olympic Committees. Supported by the International Olympic Federation, Azerbaijna I shosting numerous international events, including European and world championships and other high-profile tournaments both in Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
In 2012, Baku successfully hosted FIFA Under-17 women`s world championship. All international tournaments are excellently organized in Azerbaijan. All necessary conditions have been ensured in Azerbaijan to ensure comfortable and effective training of athletes.
Baku`s bidding for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic game and 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, as well as FIDE`s decision to grant World Cup 2015 and 2016 Chess Olympiad to Baku considerably strengthened and increased the interest of the international sports and Olympic community in Azerbaijan. So it is no coincidence that the inaugural European Games will take place in Baku next year.
The European Games will be a multi-sport event for athletes from all of the National Olympic Committees in Europe and will be held every four years. The Games are owned, co-organized , and regulated by the European Olympic Committees (EOC). The European Games were created at the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees on December 8, 2012 in Rome, Italy, when an overwhelming majority of the National Olympic Committee of Europe voted for the creation of the European Games. At this General Assembly the right to host the Games was awarded to the City of Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Organizing Committee responsible for the inaugural European Games in Baku was established by decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Committee is chaired by the First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, member of the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC) was established under the direction of the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee.
Q: What about the preparations for the European Games?
A: Preparations to host the Baku 2015 European Games are on schedule. The Baku 2015 European Games will set the standard for the future of European Games. Construction work including the National Gymnastics Arena, Baku Shooting Centre, the Baku Main Stadium and other construction and renovation work around our existing sports infrastructure continue at pace and we are confident they will be delivered on time and on budget. We have attached particular importance to the creation of the Athletes Village which will be one of the best facilities to accommodate and host athletes in sports history.
The Baku 2015 Games will leave a great legacy of new venues, infrastructure and inspiration for the communities and youth of Azerbaijan and Europe as a whole
Q: Large-scaled preparations are being carried out ahead of the inaugural Games. This includes construction of state-of-the-art infrastructure and repair of old facilities…
A: Extensive measures are being taken in preparation for the inaugural European Olympic Games due to be held in Baku in 2015. On the instruction of the President, modern sports centers meeting the highest standards are built, while the existing sports facilities undergo major overhaul and are put back in operation in the country.
On April 16 the National Gymnastics Arena opened in Baku.President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony. The facade of the complex has a special appearance. It contains screens displaying interesting illuminative elements. One of the most important features that increase the importance of the arena, which is mainly intended for gymnastics competitions, is the fact that it can be adapted for other sporting events and competitions.
Depending on the scale of a competition, the number of seats in the arena can be increased from 5,000 to 10,000. The complex, built in accordance with international standards, has a press center, a first aid station, a dance hall and a gym, doping control rooms, offices, shops, cafes and ancillary facilities. The sports facility, which is expected to become one of the best gymnastic centers in Europe, also has a hotel.
The hall is fitted with the latest gymnastic equipment. It was installed in accordance with the recommendations of the European Gymnastics Union and the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation.
A day after, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the progress of construction of the Aquatic Palace in Baku.
With the aim of developing water sports in Azerbaijan and organizing competitions of local and international level, on 30 August 2012 President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the construction of an Aquatic Palace meeting modern standards in Baku. In a short time, South Korean company Securo Co. Ltd completed the design of the palace and construction work began.
An area of 6 hectares was allocated for the construction of the Aquatic Palace. The palace covering an area of 66,000 square meters is fully compliant with the requirements of the International Swimming Federation. It will have three swimming pools. The pool 50 meters long and 25 meters wide is designed for competitions. The second pool is intended for training. The length of the pool for diving is 25 meters and the width is 20 meters. In addition, the palace will operate fitness rooms, a restaurant, a conference room, offices and other utility rooms.
The area around the Aquatic Palace will have ancillary buildings, structures, and an above-ground car park for 500 cars. Sports competitions in the palace can be watched by 6,000 spectators. All the conditions for the training of athletes and organization of competitions of national and international levels will be available here. The construction work is carried out by local and foreign companies.
The President and his wife were also informed about the construction work to be carried out in the European Games Park.
It was indicated that the European Games Park being set up on an area of 18 hectares will consist of three sports facilities – for competitions in water polo, beach volleyball and football, and basketball. There are plans to construct a two-tier functional link between these facilities. A territory has also been allocated to create functional areas consisting of four parts. The European Games Park is to accommodate meeting and conference rooms, cafés and functional rooms. The park will also operate shooting and broadcasting facilities for the media, a car park and other service areas.