CHALLENGING YEAR

Last year, Azerbaijani athletes set a number of accomplishments in international tournaments. For the first time in the history of Azerbaijan, Teymur Rajabov won the Chess World Cup, while the national women's chess team became the winner of the European Championship after a 27-years break. Rhythmic gymnast Zohra Agamirova and the national gymnastics team in group exercises were granted licenses for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. There were other high-profile victories, but there were also some disappointments.

To sum up the results of 2019 and discuss the expectations in 2020, we interviewed the Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, Azad RAHIMOV.

"Mr. Minister, we would like to discuss the results of 2019 in Azerbaijani sports. Are you satisfied with the results?"

"The year of 2019 will take a special place in the history of Azerbaijani sports. As you know, we discuss the results every year. This allows us to see our progress. Last year, our athletes won 775 medals, including 327 in Olympic sports. This means that the flag of Azerbaijan was raised at least twice a day. It is enough to mention that our teams won 28 medals at the II European Games held in Minsk.

"Also, Baku hosted a number of important international competitions, including the European Youth Olympic Festival and Formula 1. In total, Baku hosted 62 international competitions. In addition, 233 tournaments were held in Azerbaijan in 2019. Our national teams participated in 243 competitions with 118 training camps organised for the teams.

"Today, our athletes can improve their skills in 45 Olympic complexes nationwide. In the future, their number will increase. We are trying to create the conditions for ensuring the healthy development of the future generation in all regions. We also plan to introduce new arenas as well.

"At the end of the year, President Aliyev, who is also the head of the National Olympic Committee, awarded our athletes and coaches, and provided them with new apartments. High rewards for athletes are crucial. I express my gratitude to Mr. President for his generosity.

"In 2020, our athletes will face serious challenges. As you know, we are preparing to take part at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Our athletes got licenses in a number of sports. Four Euro 2020 matches and Formula 1 races will be held in Baku. Azerbaijan will host the 55th European Karate Championship, as well as the World Gymnastics Cup. We will also hold world and European championships in selected types of gymnastics. Thanks to the care of our government, the development of sports will continue in subsequent years as well."

"How many licenses are you planning to win for the Tokyo Olympics?"

"Our goal is to get 50 licenses. For the first time, we have a license in swimming. Of course, this is a very joyful event. We hope to win licenses in badminton, archery, as their federations are doing a lot of work. Yet the results of our athletes in wrestling and rowing is unsatisfactory. Our wrestlers have always pleased us with great victories. Therefore, we have high expectations. We are also not happy with the situation in boxing. I hope this year the situation will change. We will know the number of licenses won by our judokas by the start of the Olympics. We always expect gold medals from them. Unfortunately, in 2019, our judokas won mainly silver medals. We expect that they will be champions in Tokyo. As I said, our main goal is to win 50 licenses. There is still time to achieve the goal."

"The people wishing to train at Olympic complexes in Azerbaijan complain that they are requested to pay for training. Do such cases fall within the remit of the Ministry of Youth and Sports?"

"Not all of them. I'll be honest with you. Training at all Olympic complexes is free. Sometimes sections on non-Olympic kinds of sports are organised. In such cases, the trainers go to the complex and rent a gym to conduct training. This issue is the responsibility of the trainer or person responsible for the training. In the complexes that fall within our remit, training is free."

"A number of sports federations have vacant presidential posts. What is the reason for delays?"

"Federations are public associations. We cannot interfere in their affairs. Apparently, there are no candidates. The elections to presidential posts will be held when there are available candidates. A person who wants to be a president of a federation should love sports and have a clear image of the direction of developments in a particular type of sports. Leading the federation is not an easy task. In addition, there should be an opportunity to attract financial support. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee provide all possible assistance. But the federation must be capable of self-financing."

"Last year, Baku hosted the final stage of the Europa League. Foreign fans complained about the high cost of hotels in Baku. This year Baku will host the four matches of Euro 2020. More tourists are expected to arrive. Will there be problems with their accommodation?"

"There will be no problems. Azerbaijan organises matches of the European Football Championship at the highest level. There is the Athletes Village near the metro station Koroghlu. Several of buildings there will provide services on par with two-three-star hotels. Since they are located near the Baku Olympic Stadium, tourists will have a great opportunity to live near the football arena for a very reasonable price. All conditions for the fans were created during the Europa League final. Although the foreign press wrote about high prices, in Europe itself, during such games, prices are many times higher."

"Chess player Teymur Rajabov complained about the lack of funds to prepare the candidates for the tournament. Will the ministry help him with this?"

"This question is not for us. By winning the World Cup, Teymur Rajabov achieved great success. Preparing for the tournament is crucial. I am sure that specially appointed trainers will help him in this matter. But the ministry does not pay salaries to trainers. This should be decided by the appropriate federation. The question can be considered if we receive an official appeal for specific assistance. But, as I already noted, we do not pay for the work of trainers and assistants. We only support trips, training camps for athletes. The question with the coach relates to the chess federation."

"What do you expect from 2020?"

"I wish prosperity and stability to our people in 2020. I would like to see a final solution to the most painful issue of our people, the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. As for sports, I wish successful performance to our athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. The state of Azerbaijan has created all conditions for athletes. It is now up to them represent the country at this prestigious tournament adequately."