THE BALKAN HOPES

Montenegro has sent one of the major delegations to the European Games. Almost 90 people are representing the Balkan country in nine types of sport.

In an interview with R+ the president of the National Olympic Committee of Montenegro, Dusan Simonovic, shared his expectations of the European Games and his hopes for medals.

- What are you expecting from the First European Games in Baku?

- I am expecting that the First Euro-pean Games in Baku will be the start of a splendid history, which will transform the sports and cultural mosaic of the Old Continent and make it richer, displaying the wealth that unites the human and noble colours of sport. I have no doubt that Azerbaijan will fully justify the trust of the European Olympic Committee and that it will be able to hold the competitions to perfection, thereby establishing the high standards of the European Games.

By instituting this event in the sporting tradition of our continent, we are creating history together, which will allow us to leave a priceless heritage to future generations. As soon as we witnessed the ambitions and energy that the European Olympic Committee invested in the European Games being brought to life and these competitions becoming a mark of the Old Continent, we set about seriously and thoroughly preparing for the Games in Azerbaijan.

We greatly respect the Olympic slogan that it is "not winning that is important, but taking part", but for us the Games primarily represent a mighty competitive stimulus. Therefore the National Olympic Committee of Montenegro and our sports federations are striving to ensure that our delegation is formed of the best sportsmen who will worthily present their talent and potential in Baku. Eighty-four people will perform under the flag of Montenegro in nine sports disciplines at the European Games: light athletics, boxing, hill cycling, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, taekwondo and water polo.

- In which sports does Montenegro hope to win medals at the European Games 2015?

-We believe that Montenegro does have something to show off in Baku. First and foremost, our medal ambitions are connected with the water polo team, since water polo and handball are our national sports. The junior teams are to compete at the European Games, and it was precisely in this age group that Montenegro became European champion in September 2013, winning the tournament in Malta, which served to qualify us to come to Baku.

We always have high expectations of member of our delegation judoka Srdan Mrvaljevic, former World Championship silver-medallist and the Montenegrin team's standard-bearer at the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games. The other three judokas know how to win medals at major competitions. We also have great expectations of the rest of our sportspeople in other types of martial arts. A good, promising team has been formed in light athletics, from which we can expect medals.

- What do you think of Azerbaijan's preparations for these competitions?

- I have had the opportunity to see for myself your country's preparations for the European Games on site. The organisation of the games was entrusted to Azerbaijan in December 2012, but that did not embarrass you. It only made your efforts more purpose-orientated and effective. I am amazed at the dynamic transformation of Baku into a modern European capital with all its attributes. Being in Baku, I have witnessed that all the sports facilities constructed comply with the highest international standards.

But what has impressed me most of all is the kindness and hospitality I have met with at every step in Azerbaijan. The investment in sport and Azerbaijan's sports infrastructure, as well as the contribution to the Olympic movement over the last few year, have made a big impression on me. You have already shown that you can be a successful host to several important world-level competitions.

In 2016, your country will play host to the Formula 1 motor race, and then to four matches in the European 2020 Football Championship. Azerbaijan's popular name of the "Land of Fire" can thus be changed to "Land of Fire and Sport". I feel sure that, as the first to host the European Games, Baku will set high standards for future organisers and that you will pass the test with the flying colours in your bid for the 2024 Olympic Games.

- Montenegro was represented at the highest level at the opening of the European Games.

- Montenegro's highest state officials - President Filip Vujanovic and Prime Minister Milo Dukanovic - attended the opening ceremony of the European Games in Baku. We are showing with the make-up of our political delegation how much we respect the prestige of the European Games, value our friendship with Azerbaijan and are striving to further strengthen it. Incidentally, these competitions offer us a good opportunity to advertise our own country in various European regions.