Geography of gymnastics development is continuing to expand in Azerbaijan. After opening of sections in southern Sumgayit, western Ganja and northern Davachi, there has been opened one more northern gymnastics center – now in Balakan.
According to Safar Ganjayev, the head of the section, who was an artistic gymnast in the past, young sportsmen of Balakan are already preparing for their first performance – Azerbaijan championship to be held in March.
“We considered a call of the country’s sports leadership to develop gymnastics in regions and had opened the section in the city secondary school No. 2 named after Nasimi,” says S.Ganjayev. “For the time being, trainings are held at the gymnastic hall three times a week, 10-15 people are coaching, there are also girls among them. I’m simply sure that there will appear promising artistic gymnasts in Balakan soon and they will take part in the national team.”
The new kind of sports has increased cares of the regional Administration of youth and sport. “But these cares are pleasant ones,” Rasim Pachalov, the head of the Administration, noted.
“All apparatus were purchased at the expense of SOCAR, the executive power leadership of Balakan helped with the repairing of the hall. It’s possible to organize there training camp of the national team as well as together with the sportsmen of adjoining states, especially in summer, when Balakan turns into a certain Switzerland. In the forthcoming Olympic Games to be held in China, Balakan will be represented by one participant of Paralympic games – a shot pusher, it’s a big success for us and cause for pride. Inshallah, one day, gymnasts from Balakan will also defend the Olympic honor of Azerbaijani team.”
The initiative to teach children of Balakan the nuts and bolts of gymnastics is completely supported by local authorities. Nazakat Rustamova, the deputy head of Balakan, thinks a fundamental approach to the gymnastics development is necessary in the region.
“Today, many parents taking their children’s hands are coming to the gymnastic hall to watch the trainings with interest. The main thing is that children themselves have a wish to engage in gymnastics,” she emphasized. “Sports complex will be put into operation in Balakan in the near future, where different competitions, including competitions in gymnastics can be held. Thus, a flow of newcomers into our section will be increased, and the problem of future national specialists will be removed from the agenda.”
The press-service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation stresses that a great significance will be attached to the development of gymnastics in all regions of the country. We’d like to express our confidence that gymnastic sections will be opened not only in Balakan, but in other towns of the republic as well, and both trainings and events in gymnastics, especially among local young people, will periodically be held at Olympic complexes by the territorial organizations. From its part, Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, headed by Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, will promote it and encourage enthusiasts, since events of this kind will serve to the work of further development of gymnastics.