President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening of the central court of the Baku Tennis Academy.
Construction workers and employees of the Tennis Academy warmly welcomed the head of state and his wife.
Flowers were presented to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.
President Ilham Aliyev cut a ribbon marking the opening of the central court.
The President of the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation and Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Ogtay Asadov, informed the head of state that the construction of the central court, covering an area of 5,500 square meters, had commenced in February last year. There are conditions for conducting not only tennis, but also volleyball, handball and mini-football competitions, as well as various concerts.
It was indicated that modern construction materials were used in the construction of the central court which has a seating capacity of 3,000 people. Special equipment has been installed for sports commentators and cameramen. There is also an underground car park for 75-80 vehicles.
President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva watched young sportsmen play in the central court and toured the premises. The head of state and his wife also met young sportsmen and wished them further success.
The head of state chinned up on a horizontal bar.
The President and his wife reviewed the conditions at the swimming pool of the Baku Tennis Academy. It was indicated that the pool is 25 meters long and 16 meters wide. The Tennis Academy also has an aerobics section and a SPA center.
It was indicated that the premises had been landscaped and the amenity planting area expanded.
After congratulating construction workers and the Tennis Academy staff, President Ilham Aliyev said:
A great job has been done at the Azerbaijan Tennis Academy. Two years ago, when I attended the opening of the Academy, I was informed that construction of a new court was under way. I am very pleased that two years on the biggest and modern tennis court has been commissioned in the country. This Academy is now ready for hosting the most prestigious competitions.
All sports are developing in Azerbaijan. But tennis is very special because it is of great interest internationally. International competitions held in various countries gather big audiences. Millions of people watch these competitions.
There were certain traditions in Azerbaijan in the Soviet time. However, I can’t say that our sportsmen achieved remarkable results then. At the present time and in current circumstances, there are extensive opportunities for nurturing good athletes. In order to gain a victory and produce a decent result in any sport, there must be good conditions. New Olympic centers are being built throughout the country, and we can see that the children and teenagers training there are achieving good results.
I am sure our tennis players will show what they are capable of in a few years’ time. It takes time. There are good conditions now. Several courts have been built here. The central court is the biggest, and the training process should be organized correctly in the future. Because a lot depends on the proper organization of the training process.
Of course, the hosting of international competitions in Baku is also very important. I am told an international tournament will be held in Baku shortly. This will contribute to the spread and popularization of tennis in Azerbaijan. Our youth and juniors will receive good lessons, see and communicate with leading tennis players. This sport has a great and bright future in Azerbaijan. I am sure of that. The successes made in other sports are providing grounds for that.
I also want to thank those who have contributed to the construction of this Academy. I am very glad that the work has been done by Azerbaijani construction workers, that they have great opportunities and professional capacities. Construction of major facilities is under way in Azerbaijan. We can say that the overwhelming majority of those working there are local workers, designers and engineers. This means that there is a great potential in Azerbaijan’s construction sector.
This Academy has been built with a good taste. I am sure that residents of both the Binagadi district and Baku as a whole will be able to benefit from the conditions established here.
Let me congratulate you again and wish you further successes.
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In conclusion, a photo was taken.
