A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Only two months remain of 2010. Hence, it is time to take stock and draw the necessary conclusions, especially as we will have to fight for places at the London Olympics next year.

The vice-president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Cingiz Huseynzada, speaks with optimism of the prospects for national sports, and he has good reason to do so. 2010 will be remembered for a number of achievements: wrestlers, boxers, athletes, gymnasts and representatives of other sports all returned from European and world championships with medals. There were also failures, which, however, only toughened us up.

We discussed all this in an interview with Cingiz Huseynzada, who kindly agreed to answer R+ questions despite his busy schedule. Our interview began with the results of the 17th General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees which took place in Mexico.

- Mr. Huseynzada, please tell us about the outcome of the Assembly. It was also supposed to consider a report on preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London...

- A number of issues were discussed: agreements between national Olympic committees and governments, the anti-doping struggle, training professional athletes, the role of the Olympic movement in protecting the environment, social development, Olympic solidarity and other topics. It reviewed the results of the 1st Junior Olympics held in Singapore and also heard a report on preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The Assembly brought together responsible ministers from all around the world. As well as me, Azerbaijan's Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov attended.

- What are your impressions of the report by the organizing committee of the London Olympics?

- The next Olympic Games will also be held at a high level. The report was heard with approval. The issues raised in the report demonstrate the organizers' serious, responsible attitude towards their work. The organizing committee of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi also reported on the work done.

This was the first time that the meeting had been attended by ministers responsible for sports. The main objective was to support collaboration between national Olympic committees and these ministries. The practice of inviting ministers to such meetings is expected to continue in the future.

- How do you assess the achievements of Azerbaijani sports in the past year?

- I am glad that sports continue their rapid development in Azerbaijan. Of course, the biggest achievement this year was the successful performance of our juniors at the Olympic Games in Singapore. The evidence is that they won five gold and three silver medals. This means that our sports have wonderful prospects. In 2010, we were pleased with the wrestlers as well. The medals they won at the European and world championships indicate that our heroes are on the right track. Now they are among the strongest wrestlers in the world. We won a medal for the first time at the European championships in athletics. There were achievements in rowing and boxing. By the way, we won a medal at the World Junior Championships held in Baku. The gymnasts also represented Azerbaijan in various international competitions with credit. Now the main aim is not to stop there.

- Of the team sports, we should probably emphasise volleyball?

- I agree. 2010 was a year of revival for our volleyball. The country now has five or six strong clubs which include both local athletes and foreigners. The existence of strong clubs means a tense struggle in competition. The Azerbaijani championship is one of the youngest volleyball tournaments on the continent. It will be graced by many stars of volleyball. This predetermines increased rivalry and, as a result, the clubs themselves will get stronger. The most important thing is that the winning team will represent our country in Europe with credit. There was also progress in basketball.

- Baku made a bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2016. Will the same be done in for the Olympic Games of 2020?

- It is too early to talk about that because they are not even registering bidders yet. That process will begin in 2011 and the winner will be selected in 2013. Therefore, it is very difficult to say anything definite. We will make a definite decision before then.

- Do you think Baku will be able to host such an important and responsible event as the Olympics?

- If Azerbaijan is to host the Olympic Games, we will get to work with all the professionals in the country. We will appropriate the expertise of International Olympic Committee specialists. But before that, we must make a final decision on the 2020 Olympics.

- Conducting the Olympic Games is extremely difficult. Perhaps Baku should first bid for the Junior Olympics. It may also serve as a kind of preparation for the Olympic Games...

- We had such a discussion after the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. The next competition will be held in 2014 in China. We might think about the 2018 games. Of course, Baku may nominate itself. We need to study the relevant requirements. Only then can we make a final decision. In any case, that decision will also be made next year.

- Naturally, the main target for Azerbaijani sportsmen is the 2012 Olympic Games in London...

- Azerbaijan is already known worldwide as a sporting nation. And each Olympic Games is a demonstration of the country's athletic might. The recent games demonstrate the qualitative development of sports in our country. However, the London Olympics will be tougher than the previous games as competition increases. But our greatest hopes lie with the Olympics. We rejoice at our achievements at European and world championships, but the Olympic Games are the most important and prestigious competition. Qualifying tournaments will begin from 2011. I believe that all our athletes will be successful. As for the Olympic Games in London, we are doing everything to ensure that our team achieves great results there. I am sure that in London, there will be a brilliant display from the brightest names in Azerbaijani sports.