Torch of Baku 2015 covers Azerbaijan

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

The Flame of the Baku 2015 First European Games continues bringing the spirit of the inaugural European Games to the regions of Azerbaijan. On these days, the Baku 2015 torch has already visited a number of western regions.

At the symbolic gate of the European Games in Aghdash, the Flame was handed to coach Rustam Shamilov. Ten torchbearers then covered a 3 km long route and carried the Flame into Heydar Aliyev Square to the sound of wild applause.

Youth activist Sabina Alipashayeva lit the Flame of the European Games. The Flame was then transferred to a commemorative lamp that will remain lit in the Heydar Aliyev Center until the end of the Games.

The event participants watched a footage highlighting the inaugural lighting ceremony of the Flame in the Ateshgah temple which was held on April 26.

The Journey of the Flame will continue until the opening ceremony in Baku on June 12. By that time, it will visit most of the regions of Azerbaijan.

After Aghdash, the Flame was welcomed at Mingachevir by hundreds of local residents.

The first torchbearer here was sambo wrestler Ayaz Umudaliyev. Rower Khagani Mikayilov lit the Flame of the European Games. The Flame was then transferred to a commemorative lamp.

Balakan has become the next destination of the Journey.

At the symbolic gate of the European Games in the region, the Flame was accepted by Greco-Roman wrestler, Khochbar Khalayev. Ten torchbearers then started their 2.7km long route and carried the Flame into the Heydar Aliyev Park to the sound of wild applause. Greco-Roman wrestler Hajimurad Chopsiyev lit the Flame of the European Games.

The Flame was then transferred to a commemorative lamp that will remain lit in Heydar Aliyev Center until the end of the Games.

The event was followed by a concert. The Flame then continued on its journey to the next destination, Zagatala.

Here, it was handed to budo fighter, Tabriz Balakhanov.

Ten torchbearers covered 2.7km long route and carried the Flame into Zagatala Historical and Cultural Reserve.

The Baku 2015 torch then arrived in mountain region of Gakh.

World champion of the universal types of martial arts, Ramil Mammadli took the torch. Then torchbearers run a distance of over 3 kilometers to bring the Flame to the central square. Winner of the world championships in Kung Fu in 2010 and 2012, Zaur Isakov lit the torch.

The ceremony ended with a concert program performed by artists.

To follow the Journey of Flame please visit: baku2015.com/flame.