Aliya Garayeva: No other country supports rhythmic gymnastics like Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani gymnast and World Champion in rhythmic gymnastics Aliya Garayeva talked to Vestnik Kavkaza about her impression of the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship held in Baku.

First of all, the athlete said that the organization of the event was at a very high level. "There were two championships in Azerbaijan - the European Championship and the World Championship. This tournament is the best ever. Of course other competitions were also well-organized, but this one cannot be compared to any of them. The organization, the sports centre - everything is really cool," she said.

She also said that one of the representatives of the Azerbaijani Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation had asked her how good the National Gymnastics Arena was. "She asked me: "How do you like the hall? Is it all right?" - and I said: "All right?! It's great!" The opening was also very nice, beautiful and interesting. The whole history of Azerbaijan was shown. I like it," the gymnast said.

Aliya Garayeva added that she had great expectations about her compatriots. "The girls performed decently, but I believe they had no chance of letting their country down because everyone was working so hard so that they succeeded. In our country everything is done to support rhythmic gymnastics, including the governmental efforts. I think the girls should their best to win, as they are surrounding by support and care," she said.