2005 World Championships of Rhythmic Gymnastics: A FIRST FOR BAKU!

It is the first time in the history of the Azeri Federation, FIG affiliated since 1992, that such a large-scale event will be organized on its territory. As early as 2003 (May 9 – 10) and 2004, Baku will host a World Cup competition of the same discipline. These competitions will serve as a good test for the 2005 World Championships.

The success of the Azeri bid is the fruit of the joint efforts of the National Federation chaired by Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, the National Olympic Committee and its President Dr. Ilham Aliyev and Mr. Abulfas Qurayev, the Ministry of Sports and Education. This accomplishment reflects the commitment of Azerbaijan and its capital Baku (3 million inhabitants) to broaden the organization of sports events to the international audience.

The FIG delegation represented by Professor Bruno Grandi, its President and Member of the IOC, the Secretary General Norbert Bueche, Mrs. Egle Abruzzini, President of the RG Technical Committee, and André Gueisbuhler, Deputy Secretary General, was pleased with the positive outcome of this candidature.
President Grandi stated, “This success marks the willingness of the FIG to open its events to countries which possess human potential and organizational skills and are enthusiastic about being represented in the circuit of international competitions.”
Azerbaijan enjoys an enthusiastic public and has a long tradition in gymnastics. We will especially remember Valery Belenki, the 1992 Olympic Champion in team competition in Barcelona, who then competed under the flag of the former USSR. Today, this athlete, who is also a double World Champion (Indianapolis 1991 and Lausanne1997), resides in Germany, where he works as a coach.
Source: fig press release)