Interview with Elvar Osmanov, President of the women’s volleyball club “Ganja,” to AZERTAC.
How is your team preparing for the new season?
“We have purposefully built the ‘Ganja’ volleyball club with a modern approach. We have transferred new players to our roster. Our goal is to win a medal. Last year, our team was the silver medalist in the Azerbaijan Cup and placed third in snow volleyball. However, our main objective was to win a medal in the Azerbaijan Championship. Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve that, but it has strengthened us even more. We prepared very well for the last season, but due to certain reasons, we finished fourth. I believe that this season we will perform at our best. We have signed Sharon Chepchumba from Kenya, a two-time Olympian and Asian Games champion. This year, we hope to achieve success both in Azerbaijani volleyball and in our city, Ganja, and provide exciting matches. We are confident that we will perform well. As you know, the number of teams has increased, and we will strive to represent Ganja properly both regionally and nationally.”
We see players from the Ganja volleyball school in your roster. What other work is being done in this area?
“The Ganja Regional Volleyball Club carries out significant and high-level work in this field. As we know, one of the biggest plans of the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation is to develop this sport in the regions. Currently, nine regional clubs are active. These clubs are doing serious work and achieving success in their regions. This year, the Dashkasan region became the champion among children. It was the first time a national championship was held for children.”
How interested are people in volleyball in Ganja now?
“It is now clear that a strong team has been formed and is developing. That is why parents are encouraging their children to take up this sport. I believe volleyball is the best sport for girls. As you know, there is a similar approach in China, women who practice sports rarely suffer from malignant diseases. There are three sports where women are less likely to develop cancer: volleyball, swimming, and cycling. Volleyball is a sport that contributes both to the development of women and to national values.”
Who will be Ganja’s main rival in the league this season?
“All teams are strong this year. There are almost no weak teams. We will see who is weak and strong on the court.”
What can you say about the current state of volleyball in Azerbaijan?
“The development of volleyball in Azerbaijan is noticeable. Youth volleyball is growing not only in the capital but also in the regions. Interest in this sport is high among both girls and boys. Based on the Federation’s directives, selection work is being carried out in the regions.”
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