Faig Garayev: "We need a state program for developing volleyball"

He said Azerbaijan ranks 10th among twelve strongest teams of the world, APA reports.

"It is not easy to become 10th among twelve strongest team. We had problems in the team staff. Yelena Shabovta had stomach ache, and she lost on weight by 5 kg during the tourney. If she were fit the team would have better results," he said.

The head coach said the place of the tourney also influenced the game results. It is the second time that Azerbaijan team participates at Grand Prix tourney.

Garayev said he is satisfied with the performance of the team and stated the government should increase care to volleyball team.

"There is a state program on football, but not on volleyball. Why not to hold Azerbaijan Championship? We have not volleyball teams but 'Azerrail'. There are women who play volleyball for seven years, but they cannot get into 'Azerrail' 12-member-staff. International Volleyball Federation allowed the country to form Azerbaijan Regional Volleyball Academy. The federation does not allow every country to form its academy. We achieved it by the help of National Olympic Committee authorities and thanks to President Ilham Aliyev," he said.

Commenting on the Grand Prix Garayev said it was not easy for rivals to defeat our team. Azerbaijan was the only Muslim country among the participants. He said Chinese and Italian team head coaches approved our team.