Azerbaijani gymnasts win Hungarian Grand Prix
By Nazrin Gadimova
Azerbaijan's national gymnastics team became the champion of the World Cup Debrecen 2014, held in Hungary on March 14-16.
Sabina Abbasova, Aliya Pashayeva, Siana Vasileva, Diana Doman, Alexandra Platonova, and Aynur Mustafayeva performed in all-around, gaining 34.483 points and leaving behind teams of China and Israel.
Marina Durunda also became the winner of the World Cup, performing in the individual events.
Azerbaijan's Gymnastics Federation said Durunda who will take part in the European Championship in Baku did not left any chance to her main rivals from Ukraine and Russia by gaining 17.6 points.
Juniors are also preparing for Euro 2014, to be held in Baku. Jala Piriyeva and Zuleikha Ismayilova won bronze medals in the team competition at the international tournament, held in parallel to the World Cup.
"I would like to mark out Nilufar Niftalyeva, who participated for a couple with Durunda and for the first time was able to break into the line of the finalists of the World Cup," Head Coach of the national team Mariana Vasileva said.
"Her 7th place means a lot for us and the gymnast herself. Successes of Gulsum Shafizade and Beyza Demir, in turn, led to their membership in the national team for June championship," he said.
"Shafizade won all four finals and was second in the all-around in international competition in Calais, while Demir won in the exercise with a ribbon. In the days of the beloved Novruz we will go to Stuttgart. In this German city, known for its automotive industry, the next stage of the World Cup will be held, and I hope we will be back in a festive Baku in a no less celebratory mood," she added.
Earlier, Azerbaijani gymnasts became the winners of the Grand Prix Thiais in France and successfully performed at Grand Prix 2014 Moscow, gaining silver and bronze medals.
The main goal of the team is still winning the upcoming 30th rhythmic gymnastics championships which will be held in Baku in summer 2014.
The great event will bring together athletes from over 30 countries. They will be accommodated in the future Olympic Village built for the first European Games 2015 which will be held in Baku.