Ibrahim Colak: Azerbaijan has strong gymnasts

Azerbaijani gymnasts are strong, Turkish gymnast Ibrahim Colak said, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza after performing in the ring exercise qualification at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku.

"Azerbaijani gymnasts are strong. Last year the gymnasts from Azerbaijan reached the World Cup finals. I know Murad Agharzayev, he is like a brother to me. All Azerbaijani gymnasts are my friends, I know all of them. When I come to the competitions, I have a chance to talk with gymnasts from other countries, and I am glad that the Azerbaijani team are my friends," he said in the first place.

"In general, I am glad to come back here, because I love Baku and its people very much. I come here every year, because I like it very much here. Baku residents are our brothers, and it feels like home here, it's like I'm in Turkey, not abroad," Ibrahim Colak stressed.

"I am happy I reached the final. Last year I had a shoulder injury, so these competitions are not easy for me, my exercise is not quite ready. Although it wasn't perfect now, I am pleased with my performance and looking forward to know who will be the leader in the competition," the Turkish gymnast concluded.

The FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup is held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on March 14-17. According to the new rules, the World Cup is a qualifying event for Tokyo-2020 Summer Olympic Games. 170 gymnasts from 41 countries will contest medals at the tournament.