President Ilham Aliyev receives the president and the secretary general of the International Gymnastics Federation

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady, President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva met, May 2, President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe and Secretary General of the International Gymnastics Federation André Gueisbuhler.

The Head of the State underscored that the world cup competitions on rhythmic gymnastics were very successful in Baku, and noted that previously, world and European championships on gymnastics and other reputable events were held in Azerbaijan on the highest level.

President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe thanked President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva for the high-level organization of the world cup competitions on rhythmic gymnastics and, in general, for the support provided to this type of sport. Congratulations were delivered in connection with the high-level organization of the first European Games in 2015. Morinari Watanabe expressed hope that Azerbaijani gymnasts will make progress in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The President expressed his congratulations in connection with the holding of this important sports event in Tokyo in 2020. The great care shown towards development of sport in Azerbaijan and the increasing interest by the young generation for sport were emphasized.

Secretary General of the International Gymnastics Federation André Gueisbuhler noted that Azerbaijan has reached unbelievable achievements in sports, and, in general, in the country’s development. It was told that the large-scale development processes in the country make a profound impression.

President Ilham Aliyev underscored the large-scale construction works being carried out in the capital and in other regions, and noted, with pleasure, that a state-of-the-art sports structure, including a beautiful gymnastics palace, has been constructed.

The guests appreciated the works carried out in Azerbaijan in the sphere of gymnastics as great contribution to the development of gymnastics in the world.

Mehriban Aliyeva, expressing pride in heading the Gymnastics Federation of the country and, in particular, the achievements reached in this field, said by the time the foundation of gymnastics was laid in Azerbaijan, this sports type was not much popular. And now, there is great interest towards gymnastics, and in particular, a considerable number of girls are wishing to go in for this sports type and participate in competitions. This is a great achievement, and we take pride in this.