Winners of Azerbaijan rhythmic gymnastics championship named
By Sabina Idayatova
The winners of the 20th Azerbaijan championship on rhythmic
gymnastics held in Sarhadchi Olympic Sports Center were announced
on June 25.
Marina Durunda won the tournament, while Lala Yusifova was second, and Yekaterina Prokopenko ranked third among seniors.
Jala Piriyeva took the first place, while Veronica Omarova ranked second, and Zuleykha Ismailova was the third among juniors.
Among the teams in the group exercise with five hoops Spartak club was victorious, while Sarhadchi Sports Society was the second, and Neftchi Gymnastics School ranked third.
Among the teams in the group exercise with five balls Sarhadchi took the first place, while Baku Gymnastics School was the second and Neftchi took the third place.
On June 24, in the performances of gymnasts born in 2001 and 2002, the first place was taken by Leyla Ibrahimova (Spartak), while the second place went to Natalia Guliyeva (Republican comprehensive sports school), and the third place was claimed by Ilaha Mammadova (Baku Gymnastics School).
According to the results of the performances of gymnasts born in 2003, Aydan Aghayeva took the first place, while Emilia Nuraliyeva was the second, and Laman Huseynova was awarded the third place. All the three of them are pupils of Spartak sports club.
Among the gymnasts born in 2004 the winners were Narmina Samadova (Republican comprehensive sports school), Arzu Jalilova (Neftchi) and Zerniyar Aliyeva (Neftchi).
Among the gymnasts born in 2005 the winners were Rahimakhanum Aslanli (Baku Sports Club), Asiman Ordukhanova (Gusar), and Elnara Jabbarova (Baku Gymnastics School).
The competition was joined by 131 individual gymnasts, who were divided into six age categories and seven group teams.
On the same day, a gala concert was held, which was dedicated to European champion, vice champion of the world, two-time participant of the Olympic Games and five-time absolute champion of Azerbaijan Aliya Garayeva`s farewell to big sports.
It was also announced at the event that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has honored Garayeva with the title of Honorary Master of Sports. Garayeva received gifts; also, in accordance with the rules, she handed her gymnastic leotard to athlete Laman Hajizade.
Vice President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Altay Hasanov also congratulated Garayeva, stressing that she worthily represented Azerbaijan. He noted that Garayeva has achieved numerous awards and brought success to Azerbaijani sports.
In turn, Garayeva expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and the Federation`s staff for the attention and care.
Commenting on the reasons for quitting the sport, Garayeva said that the right time has come.
"I am 25 years old. In principle, at this age, many sportsmen quit sports, most of them even earlier," Garayeva said.
Garayeva also said that she has several job offers.
"There are several offers that I am still considering," she said. "I am particularly interested in one of them. I think this issue will be resolved in September."
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Ismail Ismailov, announcing the official closing event, congratulated the winners and wished them success in their future endeavors.
During the ceremony Bakond company awarded prizes to the Azerbaijani gymnasts who took the second place at the European championship.