Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is actively developing sports to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Today the country is not only participant of major sports championships, but also organizer of the large-scale international competitions.

In recent years, Azerbaijan hosted a number of prestigious international competitions such as World and European Championships, the first European Games, the World Cup in Gymnastics and many others.

The national athletes represent the country with dignity at various competitions in Olympic and non-Olympic sports, increasing sports glory of Azerbaijan.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Ismayil Ismayilov believes sport is one of the important aspects of social development.

“Today, our athletes compete at the most prestigious events throughout the world and are serious contenders for the world elite athletes in many kinds of sports,” he said. “Our sportsmen achieved many successes in chess, powerlifting, professional boxing, kickboxing, sambo, and other sports.”

Now, the whole sporting world is looking for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games and Azerbaijan has already secured 50 licenses for Rio 2016, as of March 16.

Ismayilov claims that the licenses will not be less than in the previous 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“The Olympic Games are the culmination of a four-year preparation and competition period, and preparation for these Games is very serious. We hope that in Rio the national athletes will gain more medals than in London,” he said.

The deputy minister further voiced belief that Azerbaijan can hold Olympic Games, thanks to the organizational experience gained during the inaugural European Games hosted last summer.

Talking about the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe to be held in Baku this year, Ismayilov noted that Azerbaijan is seriously preparing for the race.

“Although the competition will run for three days -- from June 17 to 19, the preparation is extensive enough, from the laying of new asphalt and installation of the stands to the preparation of volunteers, and marshals,” he said.

Ismayilov reminded that this year the race is attended by 11 teams with two drivers on each team. In general, arrival of about 2,500 people is expected, including representatives of the teams, the FIA and Formula One Management Company.

He added that more and more people show interest in the race as the date of the race approaches.

“A survey among Azerbaijani population shows that more than 80 percent of the respondents believes that the country's first European Grand Prix race will be an exceptional sporting event. Most of the capital's residents are sure that the competition will play an important role in positioning the country on the world stage and help Baku in attracting tourists both at the regional and international levels,” the deputy minister said.

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

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