A JOURNEY TO THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Baku is preparing to host yet another prestigious sports event, the 4^th Games of Islamic Solidarity. After the 1^st European Games, Formula-1 and the World Chess Olympiad, Azerbaijan will again be in the spotlight of the sports world.

It will be easy to organize the Islamiad for Azerbaijan, which already has rich experience in hosting major sports events.

Azad Rahimov, the Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and the Director of Operations Committee of the Islamic Solidarity Games, told R+ about the readiness of facilities for the games that will be held on May 12-22.

- Thank you for your time. How is the preparation going for the Islamiad?

- All works are supervised by the Operations Committee of the Islamic Solidarity Games. I can say that everything goes according to the plan to make sure that the competitions will be held at the highest level.

- The mascots of Islamiad are Karabakh horses Inja and Jasur were recently presented. Why horses?

- The mascot was developed by the relevant department of the Operations Committee. I think it's a very interesting choice. In general, a horse is a very significant symbol in the Islamic Solidarity Games. It's not just a mascot. Firstly, Karabakh horses have a long history. They have always been a symbol of courage. In recent years, interest in the Karabakh horses has greatly increased. As you know, at the ceremony in honor of the Queen of Great Britain, Karabakh horses had also demonstrated their abilities. These horses are known all over the world. Therefore, the Committee decided that the Karabakh horses should be represented as the mascots of the Islamiad.

This talisman is of special significance. The horses are symbolically named Inja and Jasur. Inja symbolizes nationality and modernity. A skillful, brave, diligent Jasur, like the Karabakh horses in general, symbolizes self-confidence and freedom. Jasur is not afraid of difficulties and is a strong-willed horse, which deserves care and attention of everyone. The mascots will inspire our citizens to be part of the Islamiad both before and during the event, and create an atmosphere of festivity throughout Azerbaijan.

- How many countries and athletes will take part in Islamiad? Where will the teams be located?

- 55 countries officially confirmed their participation. We did not receive applications from Lebanon and Kuwait. In general, we expect the participation of some four thousand athletes, coaches and officials. Athletes and coaches, same as during the Eurogames, will live in the Athletes Village.

- The media expressed the possibility of holding the Islamiad as open games. In particular, the possibility of participation and other countries was noted.

- The Federation of Islamic Solidarity Games includes 57 countries. Plus, 8 countries have the status of observers, including Russia. This year, the Islamic Solidarity Games will be held for the fourth time. Until now, the observer countries have not participated in them. The question of inviting Russia is not in the competence of the organizer, it should be decided by the Federation of Islamic Solidarity Games. According to our information, this issue is not currently being discussed.

- We will witness an interesting and intense struggle at the Games. But one of the spectacular events is the opening and closing ceremonies of the Islamiad. What will be presented to the audience at these ceremonies?

- All preparation works for the opening and closing ceremonies are going according to the plan. But I cannot reveal the details. As in any prestigious competition, this remains a secret up until the last moment. But we will not invite any famous singers at the ceremony. We want to make the opening ceremony in the original format. By and large, we will show the history of the Islamic world, its unity, culture. It is going to be a kind of a journey to the Islamic world. At the closing of the Games, we do not expect foreign singers either, maybe Russian performers.

- And how will the opening and closing ceremonies affect the grass cover of the Baku Olympic Stadium?

- During the opening and closing ceremonies, the center of the arena will be covered. However, covering the grass for a long time can negatively affect it. We also must consider the weather conditions. But we will try not to damage the grass cover. After the ceremony, the specialists will carry out restoration works.

- The fans will not leave the athletes without support. What is the level of training of our athletes?

- Our teams are trained following the programs of federations they belong to. The Ministry of Youth and Sports controls the training process. They are prepared according to special programs, as it was before during the 1^st European and Summer Olympic Games. Of course, all of our representatives will compete for medals. We will support all of our athletes taking part in the Islamiad.

- How will the city transport be organized during the Islamic Solidarity Games in terms of congestion on the roads?

- Similar to the Euro Games, special buses will be organized for timely delivery of athletes to the playgrounds. Separate lanes for the movement of official delegations and teams will be singled out. In general, we use the experience of the 1^st European Games. I believe that there will be no problems.

- Is there a possibility of early vacation for schoolchildren before the event?

- The issue of early vacation is not a subject of discussion. We do not have such information.

- How much does the organization of the Islamic Solidarity Games cost?

- ₼100 million was allocated from the state budget for the organization of the Games. We will not incur expenses for travel expenses and accommodation of athletes, as it was during the European Games. So, the costs will be much lower. Half of this amount was envisaged for 2016. But the whole amount was not spent. There is a solid sports infrastructure in the capital city. Most of the complexes have been built recently, all the arenas are in the ready state. No complex needs repairs and no new arenas will be built.

We try to make the Islamic Solidarity Games a truly sporting holiday. Of course, the results of our athletes are important to make us happy. We believe in them and hope that they will bring our people joy.