Azerbaijani rhythmic gymnastics championship begins
By Sabina Idayatova
The Azerbaijani rhythmic gymnastics championship started in Ismayilli on November 19.
Sixteen gymnasts will compete for medals in absolute all-around and individual competitions.
At present, the main contenders for the new title and gold medal are deemed to be Marina Durunda and Lala Yusifova, who were the winners of silver medals in the similar event last year.
Along with the gymnasts of the Republican comprehensive sports school and Baku Flames club, the representatives of Baku Gymnastics School and Neftchi, Spartak and Sarhadchi clubs also will perform at the event.
One of the interesting points of the championship is that like
two years ago it will once again be held outside of the capital.
The name of new champions will be declared at the Ismayilli Olympic
Sports Complex.
The championship will be completed with a colorful Gala-concert and
the performance of the best gymnasts as well as the young
representatives of this picturesque region of Azerbaijan.
Rhythmic gymnastics was particularly boosted after Azerbaijani First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva become President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation in 2002 and with her involvement in developing and popularizing gymnastics sport disciplines in Azerbaijan.
Three World Cup events (2003, 2004 and 2005), the World
Championships (2005), two European Championships (2007, 2009) and
several International competitions in rhythmic gymnastics were
organized in Baku. Azerbaijani gymnasts became European Champions,
won medals at the World Championships, and participated in Olympic
Games.
One of the objectives of the federation is the development of
gymnastics not only in Baku but also in different Azerbaijani
regions. Some sections opened outside the capital over the last few
years have developed and given results.
Along with local organizations, AGF is also an affiliated member of
International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and European Union of
Gymnastics (UEG).
Azerbaijan produced many notable talented gymnasts including Valery Belenky, Aliya Garayeva, Anna Gurbanova, Dinara Gimatova, etc.