Azerbaijani rower pins great hopes on Rio 2016

11 May 2016 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

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By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan’s rower Juri Meglich, who has booked the country a spot at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games following the 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in London, pins great hopes on Rio 2016.

Speaking about his expectations the athlete said that his childhood dream is to win an Olympic medal and he wants to realize it.

“However, it requires flawless work and a good speed," the Azerbaijani rower said. “The Mingachevir Kur Rowing Olympic Center is a very good place for rowing, canoeing and kayaking. Slalom race requires speedy water. I hope that Rio 2016 Olympics Rio won`t be the last one.”

Meglich further said that currently he trains for the European championship, which will be one of the biggest competitions of the year.

“I want to get to the finals. There are 15-29 rowers who look forward to win,” he said.

The 2016 Summer Olympics is due to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 5-21. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will take part in RIO 2016.

The world's biggest sporting event will feature 42 sports and Azerbaijan has secured qualifications in wrestling, gymnastics, rowing, boxing, taekwondo, athletics, weightlifter and in Paralympics sports.

In water sports, qualifications for Rio 2016 were also secured by female kayaker Osipenko Rodomska , canoeist Valentin Demyanenko, Duo of Aleksandr Aleksandrov and Boris Yotov.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova