Hosting the European Volleyball Championship in Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku, is an important and proud moment for the country, according to former Azerbaijan national team captain Alla Hasanova.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Hasanova highlighted the significance of staging one of Europe's major volleyball competitions in the Azerbaijani capital.
"Hosting the European Championship in Azerbaijan, especially in Baku, is an event of great importance and a source of pride for our country. It is also a clear example of the attention and care given to sport and athletes," Hasanova said.
The former captain believes major international competitions can further strengthen Azerbaijan's position on the global sporting stage while also helping the development of volleyball in the country.
"Hosting such prestigious competitions in Azerbaijan both enhances our country's international sporting reputation and makes an important contribution to the development of volleyball. Strong European teams will come together in Baku, the world's sporting capital. Of course, all our attention will be on the Azerbaijan national team competing on home soil," she told Report.
Hasanova also wished the national team success and called on supporters to get behind the players during the tournament.
"I believe our volleyball players will demonstrate great determination, compete with dignity and make our fans happy. I wish them success and call on all supporters to back the team," she added.
The matches in Group C of the 2026 European Championship will take place at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku from August 21 to 28.
Azerbaijan will face Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania and Spain in the group stage.
