European Shooting Championships open in Baku

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

The European Shooting Championships have officially opened in Baku.

About 932 shooters from 43 countries vie for medals at European Shooting Championship 2017.

Athletes are competing in 10m, 25m, 50m rifle and pistol events at the tournament to be held from July 21 to August 4.

Azerbaijani athletes will compete in 25m, 50m, 300m shooting and all types of stand shooting, Azertac reported.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Ismayil Ismayilov highlighted Azerbaijan's sporting accomplishments. He stressed that the country has rich experience in hosting high-profile sporting events such as the first European Games, Chess Olympiad, Islamic Solidarity Games and Formula 1 race.

In his speech, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation Olegario Vázquez Raña hailed excellent organization of the European Shooting Championships in Baku.

President of the European Shooting Confederation Vladimir Lisin thanked Azerbaijan`s National Olympic Committee and the country's Shooting Federation for hosting the championships.

The fifth and final stage of the 2017 ISSF World Cup Series took place in Gabala this year.

China topped the medal standings with eight total medals, including four gold, three silver and one bronze.