TODAY.AZ / Society

Baku 2015 champions autograph session a roaring success

14 July 2015 [11:15] - TODAY.AZ

By Amina Nazarli - AzerNews

The champions of the European Games met with their fans on July 11 at an event at Baku’s Park Bulvar shopping mall.

The event was sponsored by Park Bulvar, Shokki Mokki, and Day.Az Media Company.

Hundreds of people gathered for an autograph session with the champions, whose names have been forever inscribed in the history of the world sport.

Organizing the meeting with the national winners was not easy matter, as many of them have left the country, and some are resting after strenuous competitions. Most, however, were still happy to meet their fans, take photos, inspire future athletes, and give them autographs.

The athletes present were karate champions Firdovsi Farzaliyev (gold), Rafael Agayev (gold), Aykhan Mamayev (gold), Irina Zaretskaya (gold), world champion in karate and head coach of the National Team Rahman Hatamov, gold medal winner in Greco-Roman wrestling Elvin Mursaliyev, bronze medalists Rafig Huseynov and Elman Mukhtarov, taekwondo bronze medalist Patimat Abakarova, gold medalist in the men’s 90 kg judo competition Paralympic Ilham Zakiev, along with boxing gold medalists Elvin Mamishzade, Teymsur Mammadov, and Parviz Bagirov.

All of them were no less excited than their fans, since they did not expect so many people at the autograph session.

Guards struggled to keep order, as the excited fans eagerly waited to get to their idols and finally get a coveted autograph and photo together with them.

Athletes were ready to answer any and all questions.

Female fans crowded for an autograph of gold medalist karate fighter Aykhan Mamayev, who was dubbed "the most handsome champion" of the European Games.

It was worth the wait to get to Paralympic wrestler Ilham Zakiyev for most of the children, who dreamed of taking a photo with him and, touch his gold medal, which he proudly hung around his neck.

Every time when his fans asked him whether he is tired of competing, the champion replied that he is ready to continue on and on. It was a great pleasure for him to talk with people, each of whom congratulated him on his victory and wished even greater victories for the national champion. And every time he replied, "Everything is still ahead!"

The shiest one among the champions was boxer Teymur Mammadov, who said that he does not like to talk, instead, he can show himself in the boxing ring.

Athletes shared the feelings that they experienced during the Games with their fans and talked about the most memorable moments in the competition. The national champions also encouraged young people to actively engage in sports, to bring victory to their country, and to experience these truly unique feelings.

The champions were with their fans for more than two hours. When the allotted time for the meet and greet was over, people continued to approach them and to be photographed.

The first-ever European Games, lasting for 17 days in Baku, wrapped up on June 28. The innovative competitions gathered over 6,000 athletes to show their strength and skills in 20 competitions, 16 of which were Olympic sports and 12 of which were qualifiers for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Azerbaijan ranked second for the number of medals. The country was represented by 285 athletes who won a total of 56 medals including 21 gold, 15 silver, and 20 bronze medals.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/society/142217.html

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