Farid Gayibov says AGF aims to develop all types of gymnastics

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

The Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation intends to further keep focus on development of all types of gymnastics in the country.

AGF Secretary General Farid Gayibov stated that rhythmic gymnastics has been the most developed type of gymnastics in Azerbaijan in recent years.

“But today we try to pay attention to the development of all six types of gymnastics. Four of the six types are Olympic disciplines and Baku hosts World Cup events in those disciplines. We are the only federation that was honored to hold World Cups for all Olympic gymnastics disciplines,” he told Trend.

Further speaking about the successes of the Federation, Gayibov noted the rapid development in artistic gymnastics.

“An example of this is the European Games where our leading athlete Oleg Stepko won five medals. I also want to note that in 2016, our young athletes participated in the European championship for the first time. According to the rules, young athletes can participate in the European championships every two years, i.e. they will compete for the title of European champions in 2018 and in two years they will compete at home. I am sure they will attain good results,” he said.

Commenting on hosting the European Men's Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Azerbaijan on May 6-10, 2020, Gayibov noted that the competition will be very significant.

“As you know, Baku has so far hosted only Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships in 2007, 2009 and 2014. In addition, we agreed to host the European Trampoline Championship in Baku in 2018. During a meeting of the Executive Committee of the European Union of Gymnastics last weekend, it was decided to give Baku the right to host the European Men's Artistic Gymnastics Championship in 2020,” he said.

Gayibov added that this competition will be a qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, which gives it even greater significance.

The Land of Fire has become home for many significant gymnastics international tournaments over the recent years. Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation earlier announced that Baku will host seven international gymnastics events within the first five months of 2017

The AGF was acknowledged to be the best federation and the iconic 9,000-seat National Gymnastics Arena, designed to host all gymnastics disciplines declared the best Arena by the Azerbaijan Youth and Sports Ministry in the country in 2015.