The First European Games, which took place in June in Baku, were held at a very high level of organization, said Yevgeny Arkhipov, President of the Russian Rowing and Canoeing Federation, in an interview with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza.
‘‘The first European Olympic Games were a new format. They were held at a very high level. The overall level was wonderful. The organization was very good. The cordiality corresponded to the high status of the European Games,’’ Yevgeny Arkhipov noted.
Speaking about the performance of the Russian rowers at the European Games, Yevgeny Arkhipov pointed out that he was satisfied with the results of the national team. ‘‘We performed as we were ready. As you know, we were deliberately preparing for these competitions. Sporting form is a very delicate thing, and serious athletes prepare for serious competitions. But we performed well in general. I hope that we will show a bit better level at the upcoming World Championships in Milan. So I am happy,’’ noted he.
‘‘There were difficult times in the Caucasus, as you know. After those difficult years people are getting used to a good everyday life, and sport is an integral part of this life, as you know. Health is a national idea. It has always been a priority in the Caucasus,’’ Arkhipov underlined.
The head of the Federation also expressed his confidence that such kinds of sports as rowing will be developing as this region has all the necessary conditions for this. ‘‘Wrestling has always developed, as well as the priority kinds of sports. We cannot help noting rowing. We saw the results in Azerbaijan.’’
‘‘It isn’t a secret that we are in contact with representatives of the Chechen Republic, and we need to develop rowing there. There are two places: of course, Grozny itself – the Grozny Sea and the mountain lake of Kezenoy Am. It is possible that some sporting events will take place in the future. As I know, the old Soviet base has been reconstructed. I think they will succeed in it,’’ concluded Yevgeny Arkhipov.
