Baku, April 16 (AZERTAC). The National Gymnastics Arena has today opened in Baku.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

President Ilham Aliyev and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Arena.

Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov informed the Head of State of the work carried out at the National Gymnastics Arena.

He noted that the facade of the complex has a special appearance. It contains screens displaying interesting illuminative elements. One of the most important features that increase the importance of the arena, which is mainly intended for gymnastics competitions, is the fact that it can be adapted for other sporting events and competitions.

Depending on the scale of a competition, the number of seats in the arena can be increased from 5,000 to 10,000. The complex, built in accordance with international standards, has a press center, a first aid station, a dance hall and a gym, doping control rooms, offices, shops, cafes and ancillary facilities. The sports facility, which is expected to become one of the best gymnastic centers in Europe, also has a hotel.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva watched the training of gymnasts.

The President of the European Gymnastics Union has also praised the conditions created in the arena. The hall is fitted with the latest gymnastic equipment. It has been installed in accordance with the recommendations of the European Gymnastics Union and the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation.

The Arena will host European gymnastics championship this June, and competition in six gymnastic events will be held here as part of the inaugural European Games in 2015. In 2019 the Arena will host the world gymnastics championship, a qualifying event for the 2020 Olympic Games.

President Ilham Aliyev was presented with a copy of “the International Sports Press Association - history of AIPS” book marking the 90th anniversary of the organization.