Gayibov hopeful gymnastics will return to program of next European Games

Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, President of the European Gymnastics Union Farid Gayibov voiced hope that gymnastic sports will return to the program of the next European Games, according to Report.

"At the first European Games, we did everything possible to make gymnastics part of the program. It was in Baku. All six types of gymnastics were included. At the Games in Belarus, we negotiated and they were also part of the program. We had a problem with one of disciplines, but thanks to the Belarusian Federation, everything got better, and athletes in 6 gymnastic sports again participated in Minsk. Now the European Olympic Committee and the European Gymnastics Union have held negotiations on the Games in Poland, we have done everything we could. However, the organizers did not indicate the reasons and refused to include gymnastic disciplines in the program," the minister told the Bulgarian national radio, commenting on the reasons that led to the exclusion of gymnastic sports from the program of the 3rd European Games in Poland, which will be held in 2023.

He expressed regret that one of the three Olympic A-sports would be missing, adding that, not so long ago, the European Championships were held in Munich, where it was obvious how popular gymnastics was. "We hope that the organizers of the next European Games will change their minds and return gymnastics to the program," the minister said.

Gayibov also spoke about the development of sports in Azerbaijan and how much attention is paid to this area: "Sport in Azerbaijan is a state policy. We have the best gyms in the world, and we have created excellent conditions for all athletes. By the first European, we have built a wonderful water sports facility. We have built many Olympic complexes in different places across the country, so sports are developing not only in Baku, but also in the regions of Azerbaijan."