Orkhan Mammadov: "The World Championship in Baku will remain in memories"

The president of the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation, Orkhan Mammadov, gave an interview to the official website of the World Minifootball Federation. Sport24.az reports that the head of the organization spoke about the current situation and development of minifootball in our country. He also spoke about the preparations for the minifootball world championship to be held in Baku in May, and said that this prestigious competition will be organized at a high level: "First of all, I would like to note that the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation is working hard to develop and popularize this sport in our country. Our federation actively participates in many events and conferences as an active member of the world and European minifootball federations and exchanges experience. Since its establishment, the federation has ensured the participation of our national team in 3 European championships and one world championship. In addition, after our team became European champion, on June 14, 2022, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the members of our national team. It is precisely the result of such attention from the head of state that people are now showing serious interest in minifootball. More and more people, even non-professional football players, are turning to minifootball every day."  O.Mammadov said that the start of the minifootball world championship in our country is eagerly awaited: "Azerbaijan has hosted very large, international competitions, festivals, global forums, conferences - in a word, prestigious events. The trust shown for holding such large-scale events is no coincidence. This, of course, is an expression of Azerbaijan's achievements, its reputation in front of the world community and international organizations. This mundial is eagerly awaited in our country. Because this is a real holiday for our fans."  The head of the federation stated that the preparations for the mundial are already in the final stage: "Azerbaijan has already acquired the status of a unique place in the world where international sports competitions, world and European championships are held. There is not a year that some international sports competition is not held in our country. Currently, the sports country is preparing to host another prestigious competition - the minifootball world championship. Of course, it is natural to have difficulties. If we have taken on a very responsible task, we should not be afraid of any difficulties. We are already in the final stage of preparations. Everything is going according to plan so far. Fans will not only witness the magnificent opening ceremony and beautiful games held at the National Gymnastics Arena, but will also be able to participate in interesting and fun events to be held in parallel on the Baku boulevard. I am sure that the weather will be good on those days and will create conditions for fans to get acquainted with the beautiful places of Baku. I believe that the mundial in Baku will leave its unique mark in the history of world minifootball."  He also noted that minifootball is very popular in Azerbaijan: "Minifootball is as popular as big football in our country. Interest in this sport has increased even more after our team became European champion. Now everyone, from children to adults, plays minifootball in our federation's grounds. We are happy to achieve incredible mass in a short time. And our fans always support us. For example, in May 2023, an international tournament dedicated to the memory of the national leader Heydar Aliyev was held. 10 teams from different countries participated in that competition. At the games held at the Baku Tennis Academy, the fans gave great support to our national team. This support had a serious impact on the success of our national team. I am sure that we will feel their strong support in the world championship as well."  O.Mammadov finally said that the world championship in Baku will be unforgettable: "We will be happy to see fans from other countries in Baku. Our country is a very hospitable place. Most importantly, it is a beautiful and completely safe country. We invite all fans to our capital. They will not only witness beautiful games, but also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the diverse culture and people of Azerbaijan. I believe that the world championship in Baku will remain in their memory as one of the most unforgettable mundials. I wish success to each of the teams."