29 March 2024

Friday, 12:59

CHINGIZ HUSEYNZADE: "WE REMEMBER ALL OUR VICTORIES"

Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee celebrates anniversary

Author:

01.10.2022

Following Azerbaijan's independence, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) was established to shape the Olympic movement in the country. It was officially recognised by the European Olympic Committee in November 1992 and by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) General Assembly in Monaco in September 1993. Thanks to the successful operation of the NOC during this period, it was possible to start an Olympic movement and introduce advanced standards for the effective training of athletes.

Thirty years later, as part of the anniversary celebrations of the NOC, we would like to recall the glorious path that the National Olympic Committee has covered. Our interviewee is Chingiz Huseynzade, Vice-President of the NOC of Azerbaijan.

 

“Congratulations to you and all NOC representatives on your anniversary. We kindly ask you to takes us back 30 years and tell us about your hard work in these years. How would you rate your performance?”

“It has been a difficult journey, of course. The first five years of the National Olympic Committee were difficult and not adequate due to the situation at the time. The National Olympic Committee was established right after Azerbaijan gained independence. In 1996, we were for the first time represented at the Summer Olympic Games as an independent state. At that time, only 23 of our athletes were awarded licenses. The national team managed to win only one silver medal at that time. Of course, this result did not show our potential. After our athletes return from the Olympic Games, they met with the national leader Heydar Aliyev, who gave the athletes necessary instructions, hence promoting sport in the country to a new level. In 1997, Ilham Aliyev was elected the president of the National Olympic Committee. A new powerful stage of development began after his election. Azerbaijan established itself as a sports country, including many prestigious competitions held in our country at the highest level. We organised world championships, European championships, I European Games, the Games of Islamic Solidarity. Baku hosted the general assemblies of various international sport organisations. We have done a lot of work; it was not easy to implement these projects.”

“Which international organisations encouraged the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan as role models?”

“One of President Ilham Aliyev's main objectives from day one was to strengthen the NOC's international ties. The main goal was to establish contacts with international organisations and Olympic committees of other countries. We considered the experience of the European Olympic Committee a priority. We held regular discussions and were in close contact with the heads of international organisations in the fields of sport popular in our country. Our coaches and judges gained experience in international seminars and courses.

“Now the foreigners are interested in the experience of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan. The first European Games held in Baku became a standard for all. President Ilham Aliyev and the head of the organising committee of the European Games, Mehriban Aliyeva, laid the foundation for great competitions. We could also change the standard of the Islamic Solidarity Games.”

“What are your goals for the future?”

“Recently Azerbaijani athletes took part in the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games. Our team became the 4th best in team classification with 99 medals. In all competitions, Azerbaijani athletes defend the honour of our country with dignity. It's hard to make predictions in sports. This year we are getting ready to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the National Olympic Committee. In 2023, we have a lot of work to do. Next year we will be hosting the European Olympic Festival, as well as the European Games. Together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, our work to develop sports will continue effectively.

“I would like to note that we had a number of events related to the anniversary. Despite the difficult terrain of the Ghizil Gaya massif of the Bashdagh mountain range of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, our athletes ascended to the summit of Heydar Aliyev. At the end of the 14-hour march, members of the team together with the NOC Secretary General Azer Aliyev attached a flag with the NOC logo to the Heydar Aliyev summit. We honoured the memory of the national leader hoisting the flag of Azerbaijan on top of the mountain. We continue to hold a number of events not only in Baku, but also in other regions. We will release coins, postage stamps and badges related to the anniversary. We also plan to release respective television projects and exhibitions of paintings and photographs.”

“What was your most memorable victory in 30 years?”

“We have achieved many unforgettable victories in these years. I remember the last days of the London Olympic Games. We will never forget how our wrestlers won two gold medals in one hour—by Toghrul Asgarov and Sharif Sharifov. There were a lot of dramatic moments as well. I remember the Azerbaijan-Netherlands encounter at the 2017 European Volleyball Championship in Baku. I want to highlight the selfless play of our volleyball team, when the outcome of the game was decided at the last moment. I can also mention Farid Mansurov's victories in Athens in 2004 and Elnur Mammadli's in Beijing in 2008. We remember all our victories.”

“What about your disappointments?”

“One of such moments was at the final stage of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. Those were the most disappointing moments for me. In Brazil our wrestler Mariya Stadnik lost the advantage in the last three seconds of the bout. Our boxer Lorenzo Sotomayor was declared defeated in the finals due to referees biased position. We were also upset by the disappointing losses in Tokyo by Irina Zaretskaya, Rafael Aghayev and Haji Aliyev in the finals as well. In general it is very upsetting to see an athlete lose in the finals. These moments are remembered with a feeling of bitterness. And it is difficult to say which defeat causes more regret and residue.”

“Who do you think is Azerbaijan's best athlete in 30 years?”

“That's probably the hardest question I've ever been asked. Choosing the best athlete in 30 years is not easy. Every one of our Olympic champions has been a high-level athlete. Their victories are just as important to us. I can't make a difference among them. It is difficult for me to choose between the champions we are proud of. But I can mention the best public figure and organiser in 30 years. Of course, this is our first NOC president Ilham Aliyev.”


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