RESULTS WERE NOT LONG IN COMING

Rhythmic gymnastics are one of the most popular sports in Azerbaijan. The state is giving so much attention to the sport that this cannot but affect its development. This is proved by the success achieved by Azerbaijani gymnasts in the world arena, as well as by the high level international competitions hosted by Azerbaijan. "The holding of major competitions in rhythmic gymnastics has become a tradition in Baku, and our capital is now home to all the world's gymnasts," said first lady of Azerbaijan and president of the Gymnastics Federation, Mehriban Aliyeva.

This view is also shared by the head coach of the Azerbaijani national rhythmic gymnastics team, Mariana Vasileva. The Bulgarian specialist kindly agreed to talk to us about prospects for the sport in Azerbaijan. We began our conversation with the achievements of Azerbaijani gymnasts in 2010.

- The year started successfully for our gymnasts. For the first time in the history of Azerbaijan gymnastics, Aliya Qarayeva won a bronze medal in the all-around events at the European championships, while Lala Yusifova won a silver medal in the juniors. Aisa Mustafayeva ranked fifth at the continental championships. The team also pleased us with their fifth place in the group exercises. It was not easy to achieve such results at a championship which brought together 34 countries. But gymnastics are being developed systematically in Azerbaijan and where there is work results will not be long in coming.

- What results can we expect from our team at the world championship in Moscow?

- Russia is hosting one of the biggest competitions of the year. We continue to practice for success at the world championship. We have to compete in both individual and team competitions. Naturally, Aliya Qarayeva, Anna Qurbanova, Samira Mustafayeva, Dina Gorina and Zeynab Cavadli will go to the tournament with expectations.

- If I am not mistaken, the group exercises team will also compete in Moscow. Last year in Japan, our gymnasts took fourth place... 

- The success of the group exercises team, which has been built over just 5-6 years, is clear. This is a team of gymnasts with great prospects. They have trained well in a short time. Some 5-6 years ago, we could not even count on the top ten at the World Cup. But in 2009, our team took fourth place. This is a great achievement, as the world championship brings together very strong teams.

- The main goal is probably the Summer Olympics in London?

- The qualifying stage of the Olympic Games will begin only in 2011 and so we do not want to anticipate things. There is still time.

- Our gymnasts failed to win medals at the last two Games. Do you think we can achieve this dream in London?

- We are moving towards that goal. Gymnastics has a long historical tradition in countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Belarus and so most Olympic medals go to those countries. In Azerbaijan, we are only now laying down a gymnastic tradition. You understand that experience at the European and world championships will be followed by Olympic success. We just need a little time.

- Is it difficult to work in Azerbaijan?

- Azerbaijan is as dear to me as my homeland. Your hospitable people have always been receptive of foreigners. Sports and sportsmen get a lot of attention here. And every athlete, in turn, tries to represent the country as well as possible. All kinds of sports are developing in Azerbaijan. I am happy to have a role in the development of gymnastics.

- How has your work with the Azerbaijani national team influenced you?

- I run a large team and must be able to work with both 12-year-olds and people much older than myself. I did not expect to become so attached to Azerbaijan. My future plans will definitely include your country. Your people are very much to my liking. And Baku is very beautiful as well. At first, I did not know the city, but now I often go for a walk around the capital. I have risen to a higher professional level while working in Azerbaijan.