Azerbaijan to Host 2014 European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship

The European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship 2014 will be held in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, Vice-President of the European Union of Gymnastics Rudolf Hediger said.

Addressing a press conference, organized jointly by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Youth and Sports and the European Union of Gymnastics, Hediger specified that "the championship will be held in the capital from June 9-14 and is expected to be attended by 240 gymnasts and 80 officials."

"After the 2005, 2007 and 2009 world and European championships in Baku, it became clear that Azerbaijan shows responsibility in holding such championships," Hediger said.

Azerbaijan's sports and youth minister Azad Rahimov, in turn, said that the country is getting ready for the event. "The construction of the Gymnastics Olympic Complex is set for completion by May 2014," according to the minister.

Aside from the artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics started to develop in Azerbaijan after the 1984 Summer Olympics. Rhythmic gymnastics got a boost in 2002 when the country's first lady Mehriban Aliyeva became president of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation.

The World Championship was held in Baku in 2005.