Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

The Azerbaijani gymnasts, who returned to Baku on June 3 after their successful performance at the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships held in Vienna, were warmly welcomed at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

The European tournament among juniors took place from May 31 to June 2. Medals were contested in the team competition as well as in the individual events, such as exercises with a hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.

During the morning part of the program all eyes were on the Azerbaijani junior team in the group exercises, which included Nilufer Niftalyeva, Gulsum Shafizade, Sabina Hummatova, Alexandra Platonova, Emilia Bagieva and Aynur Mustafaeva. The outstanding Azerbaijani performance received quite high ratings from the judges - 16.550 points, which secured silver medals for the team.

Vice President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Altay Hasanov said that the Azerbaijani gymnasts have achieved their goal.

"While preparing for this championship, we set certain goals and objectives, and now we can say we have accomplished them," Hasanov said when sharing this victory with journalists upon his arrival at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport of Baku.

"Our gymnasts won silver medals. The competition was tough, it was hard, but we were second after the Russian team, which is great success. Those familiar with rhythmic gymnastics understand very well the level we have reached," he said.

Referring to the performances of Marina Durunda and Lala Yusifova, Hasanov noted that the two gymnasts began participating in major competitions only this year.

Hasanov said they had replaced Aliya Garayeva, an experienced gymnast who retired from the sport following the Olympics cycle.

"Nevertheless, Azerbaijan retained its fourth position in Europe," he said. "So, we have not given up 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 as well."

Successful performance of the junior team at the Euro has become a good tradition for Azerbaijan. Over the past four years the national team has confirmed its status, and the current season is no exception.

The Azerbaijani gymnasts attracted a capacity crowd in Vienna, and they had enthusiastic support not only from Azerbaijani fans, but also from ordinary viewers who had come to watch the European championship and enjoyed the performance of the Azerbaijani athletes.

Head coach of Azerbaijan's national team Mariana Vasileva said this European championship was far better for the Azerbaijani gymnasts than the previous one.

"It has been the fifth season that we are pleased with our gymnasts," she told journalists upon her arrival in Baku. "Our junior team won bronze medals last time, and now they won the silver," Vasileva said.

She noted that the team has two young and still inexperienced gymnasts, Lala Yusifova and Marina Durunda. However, by taking the fourth place, they succeeded in repeating the results achieved by Anna Gurbanova and Aliya Garayeva at the last championship.

"We are very happy as we could earn two quotas for the next European championships to be held in Baku in 2014. Last time, Aliya Garayeva was the only one performing. I am very happy and grateful to everyone who supported us," Vasileva said.