"IT WON'T BE EASY"

The International Weightlifting Federation is trying hard to include weightlifting in the programme of the first European Games of 2015. This was the purpose of the visit to Baku by the head of the federation, Tamas Ayan. As part of his visit Ayan met with [Azerbaijani] Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov and the heads of the local federation and came out with a whole number of interesting comments. According to Ayan, weightlifting in Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a boon and the international federation praised highly the work done in the country. Before leaving Baku Tamas Ayan answered questions from R+.

- Your three-day visit has come to an end. Were you satisfied with the meetings you had in Baku?

- The President of the European Weightlifting Federation Antonio Urso was with me in Baku. During our visit we attended the traditional Grand Prix tournament. I would like to thank the President of the Azerbaijani Weightlifting Federation (FTAA), Cahangir Asgarov, and the National Olympic Committee for organizing the IWF Grand Prix in Baku. This was the best organized weightlifting competition in the past 10 years. Earlier, I had signed with the FTAA a memorandum on building a weightlifting complex here. This will not only be a structure similar to a Greek amphitheatre but a convenient venue for holding competitions. All conditions for the athletes will be created here.

- Are there any plans to invite Baku to host weightlifting competitions in the future?

- We recall Azerbaijan as a centre for sporting competition, which you have had a wealth of experience in organizing. You are capable of hosting any weightlifting competition at a high level. The 2017 European Championships are in the offing for Baku to be the hosts. This question is currently under discussion and a final decision will be made next year.

- Will weightlifting be included in the programme for the European Games?

- At this moment in time negotiations are underway with the European Olympic Committee (EOC). The main purpose of my visit was to discuss this question with the Azerbaijanis. Azerbaijan has every opportunity for organizing the European Games at a high level. I have had very serious negotiations with the President of the EOC, Patrick Hickey, and other officials of this organization. The competition programme includes 16 Olympic and three non-Olympic sports. This is the maximum programme agreed between the EOC and the Games' organizing committee. But it is no secret that we are having talks with Minister for Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov and the Azerbaijani National Olympic Committee. The chances are quite high. I think a final decision will be made by the end of December. 

- What do you think weightlifting will give to the European Games?

- Weightlifting is an interesting and attractive sport which has a large audience worldwide. Nor should one forget that Azerbaijani's athletes are very strong. If weightlifting is included in the programme of the European Games this will add interest to the tournament.

- As you know, our country is staking a claim to organize the summer Olympic Games in the future. How realistic do you think this is?

- Azerbaijan has already become a strong sporting power. Everything will be possible given time. You must be patient. After all, you have not automatically won the right to host such tournaments. During my visit I attended the Grand Prix international tournament and I was extremely pleased with the way it was organized. You have no problems with sports centres and complexes in your country. Our federation plans to invite Azerbaijan to host the World Cup and other competitions in the future. And then we can start talking about the World Championships. I believe that Azerbaijan is capable of organizing it without any problems. As far as the European Games are concerned, this competition will bring you great prestige and experience. I would like to say that you must continue to fight for this dream. There are countries that have been striving for the right to host the Olympics for 20-30 years but have still not achieved their aim. You must never lose heart in sport.

- It won't be long before the competition starts. If weightlifting is included in the programme for the European Games where will the tournament be held?

- I know a little about the organization for the European Games. There is also a splendid complex for the weightlifting and another centre is expected to be built. There is no problem finding centres and complexes in Baku. In this sense, it will be difficult for the country that hosts the European Games after you. After Azerbaijan it will have to at least repeat the level already achieved. And that won't be easy.

- Weightlifters have often been involved in doping scandals. Why do you think this is?

- We have increased the number of doping tests. Controls have also been stepped up. We urge athletes to be extremely careful. We are trying to prevent athletes taking drugs but our wishes won't solve everything. Sometimes an athlete or a coach is careless. In any event this question worries us, too.

- Thank you for the interview. We hope that weightlifting is included in the programme of the European Games.

- And thank you. In this question the press is a powerful force. We always need your support.