SPORTS
Baku hosts international water polo tournament
Baku, May 8, AZERTAC
The Baku Aquatics Palace hosted the opening ceremony of the international tournament on water polo devoted to the 92nd anniversary of the birth of the national leader Heydar Aliyev.
At the competitions organized by the Azerbaijan National Rowing Federation (AMAF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sport, along with Azerbaijani nationals also take part national teams of Hungary, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Georgia and Kazakhstan. The tournament is a test for Azerbaijani national team for participation in the first European Games.
Addressing the participants, president of the National Rowing Federation of Azerbaijan Khanlar Fatiyev said that the tournament would become traditional, and that the infrastructure created here completely conforms to the international standards.
Having noted that the foundation of sports policy in Azerbaijan was laid by the national leader Heydar Aliyev, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Ismayil Ismayilov informed on achievements of the Azerbaijani athletes on the international arena. He stressed that the country is on the eve of a grandiose sports festival. The First European Games will draw attention to the Azerbaijani capital not only in the continent, but also the whole world.
Member of Milli Majlis Rauf Aliyev spoke about the results reached in the country in the sports sphere, noted that Baku is completely ready to carrying out the first European Games.
Then, the congratulatory message of the president of the European Swimming Federation (LEN) Paolo Barelli was read out.
As stated, 8 teams in two groups will fight on circular system.
Winners of competitions, to last till May 9, will be awarded medals, diplomas and valuable presents.