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In memory of great coach

7 April 2015 14:08 (UTC+04:00)
In memory of great coach

By Amina Nazarli

The Azerbaijani sports community lost Aleksandr Pravdin ... much loved and respected head coach of the Azerbaijani National Team in Women's Artistic Gymnastics. Pravdin passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45 following a heart attack at 13:00 on April 4.

While the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation and gymnasts has lost a wonderful coach, the country has lost a wonderful person and a dear friend.

A perfectionist and passionate sportsman, Pravdin was a deeply committed and motivated person who above all disapproved sluggishness. Although exigent with his team he was also most kind and loving, treating all his athletes as a father would. An inspiration for all, he will be remembered fondly by all.

He was the coach who held Baku first championships in artistic gymnastics among girls and it was him who showed the nation that Azerbaijan had a great future in the sport.

Pravdin was appointed head coach of the National Team at the end of last year. His method of teaching and training, dedication and love of work gave the country great hopes for the highest results. Indeed, after his appointment as head coach, a sharp jump was observed in the women's artistic gymnastics. The federation was proud to work with such as well-known mentor, as Aleksandr, and it wanted to enjoy many great successes with him in charge.

He loved his family, took care of his loved ones and protected them. When he became head coach, he moved to Baku with his family. His wife Nina, who adored him, assisted him in his work, forever a source of support and comfort. His daughter, Kristina, like her parents before her already showed great talent - she became an absolute champion of Azerbaijan in March this year, and later, under the guidance of her father, she won the silver medal at the World Challenge Cup in Germany.

Pravdin was born in 1970 and from a young age was involved in gymnastics. After he retired from competition he moved to coaching. He worked for many years in the Voronezh Gymnastics School, taught kids and raised well-known athletes.

In addition to all his sporting achievements, Pravdin was an excellent companion for all of his staff, a very educated man, a real intellectual and an interesting conversationalist. In his spare time, he was fond of mathematics. He thought maths was the most interesting oo all science. Who knows, maybe he was going to do something great, combining science and sport?!

In recent months, Alexander Yuryevich threw himself into trainings, preparing the team for the European Championships and the European Games.

His death shocked the country’s sport community - all workers of the Federation, athletes, and coaches.

Today, he was laid to rest in his native Voronezh, Russia. There was a gloomy atmosphere in the gymnastics hall in Baku, where he worked in his last days. Pravdin was commemorated at the National Gymnastics Arena, where musical accompaniment of all trainings was canceled today.

The Federation is mourning with the family of Aleksandr Pravdin, sharing with them in their sorrow.

AzerNews extends most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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