TO REPEAT THE RESULT OF BAKU

The next stop for the European Games first held in Baku will be Belarus. According to the decision adopted at a meeting of the European Olympic Committee's General Assembly, the second European Games will take place in the city of Minsk. The majority of countries of the continent are expected to attend this prestigious competition, which will take place in 2019.

Thus, a new sporting event, which was first held in Baku, the European Games are becoming traditional. Of course, the organization of the second European Games is remarkable for the number of important points. Initially conducted in Baku, the first games were remembered by the highest level of organization and the outstanding achievements of local athletes. In this regard, the 2^nd European Games will be a new challenge.

The Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee, Chingiz Huseynzade, told R+ about the future of Eurogames in Minsk and possible assistance of Azerbaijan in their organization.

- We would like to start a conversation with the II European Games to be held in Minsk. Do you think Belarus will try to repeat the achievements of Baku at organizational level?

- Some people did not believe that the organization of this prestigious event would become a tradition. But, as we can see, the location of the next event is already known. In 2019, the Belarus capital of Minsk will host the European Games. The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, said that they would not be able to hold the European Games at such a high level as we had. Indeed, Baku has set new standards and organized the continental competitions at the level of the Olympic Games. I think Minsk will have less number of sports. We also expect less number of participants. It will depend on the sport. Currently, most of the details have not been clarified yet. The Belarusian side has signed an organizational agreement with the European Olympic Committee. The Organization Committee will be established soon and all the questions will be answered.

- When will the period of the competition be announced?

- It is still unknown what month the event will be held in 2019. As you know, the European Youth Olympic Festival will take place in July 2019. And in August, the World Athletics Championships will be held. Therefore, the month of the European Games will be discussed after verification of the Games program.

- It is expected that the European Youth Olympic Festival will be held in Baku in 2019.

- First of all, it is not clear if this event will be held in Baku. We have not yet made a decision about this. We are currently holding discussions. When it became certain that the Minsk would hold the 2^nd European Games, there was a small problem. Belarus had agreed in advance to hold the Festival in 2019. Organization of two prestigious competitions in the same year is not an easy task. Therefore, during the meeting we stated that Baku would discuss the issue of hosting the European Youth Olympic Festival. Since we have always demonstrated a high level of organization, the participants showed interest. Minsk refused to hold the Festival in favour of the European Games. If the festival is held in Baku, it is unknown. The final decision will be taken by the leadership of the National Olympic Committee. If it is positive, Baku will organize this competition.

- What these events will bring to us, if they take place in Baku?

- The festival will demonstrate the history of the European Games. In 2017, Baku will host the Islamic Solidarity Games. We will take a break after these competitions. That is, Baku is not planning to hold any mass events in the following years. There will be World and European Championships on various sports, but no massive tournaments. The festival will be an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise.

- How much money is Minsk planning to allocate for competitions? There have been some reports about the possible financial assistance of Baku to Minsk...

- This is absolute nonsense. Baku will not provide any financial support for the European Games. The volume of funding is up to Minsk. Azerbaijan has vast experience in organizational matters. If they need assistance in this area, we will not deny. It is also possible to exchange experience with the Organization Committee of the tournament in Minsk. We do not consider financial assistance. This issue was not even discussed.

- The Azerbaijani team was ranked the second by the number of medals won at the first European Games. What are the goals set for the next competition?

- It will not be easy to repeat the success of Baku next time. We must really try hard. The main objective is to have a large representation. We will provide more details after the verification of kinds of sports. As always, we will form a strong line-up to protect the honour of our country.

The program of the Olympic Games includes new sports. One of them is karate. It is expected that some sports will be present to guarantee licenses for the Tokyo-2020. In this case, all countries will come to Minsk even more readily.

- Have you discussed the lighting of the torch at the opening ceremony in Ateshgah, which is considered an old monument in our country?

- We have plenty of time before the 2^nd European Games. The main issue is to specify a list of sports that will be presented. We will offer this when rehearsals begin for the opening ceremony. Let us not forget that we still have more than 3 years until 2019. I think Minsk takes a peculiar place in the history of the European Games. Almost all sports facilities are ready in the city. It is necessary to carry out minor restoration work only in some of them. After Baku, Minsk will add additional shades to the color palette of this authoritative competition. The First Eurogames in Baku are remember for magnificent organization. Even if the next cities are not be able to repeat our success, they will demonstrate new culture of organization yet.

The European Olympic Committee will help Belarus in the organization of the competition. At the same time, the Azerbaijani experts will share their experience with their colleagues from Minsk.