Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of an office building, a volleyball court of “Azeryol” volleyball club and the “Azeryol” hotel

President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of an office building, a volleyball court of “Azeryol” volleyball club of the Volleyball Federation of Azerbaijan and the “Azeryol” hotel.

First the head of state reviewed the office building.

Transport Minister and President of the Volleyball Federation of Azerbaijan Ziya Mammadov informed President Aliyev that the center housing the Volleyball Federation of Azerbaijan would function as the main base of women's volleyball clubs "Azeryol" and "Azerrail."

There is a bust of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev in the building, photo stands describing the care and attention of great leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev to the development of sports in the country and photos of volleyball veterans.

It was noted that the building was constructed in a modern architectural style using the latest technologies. Its construction began last year. The design of the building was recognized as one of the best at a Cologne architectural exhibition in 2009. Both Azerbaijani and foreign experts were involved in the construction. The three-storey building is well suited for the activity of working groups, coaches and managers. The conference room is equipped with necessary facilities.
When reviewing the rooms for senior visitors, President Aliyev was informed that they have all the opportunities for watching games. The services of a 100-seat cafeteria can be used both by athletes and guests. In addition, there is a training gym and a medical station fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

The head of state also visited the new volleyball court of "Azeryol".

It was indicated that the court fully complies with the standards of the European Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation. Another feature of this sports facility, which will also accommodate training sessions of "Azerrail" and "Azeryol" clubs, is its spatial structure. The court with 2,000 seats has a modern scoreboard which has been recommended to all federations of the European Volleyball Confederation as a model. Games can also be followed through LED-displays installed in the gym.

President Ilham Aliyev met with volleyball players.

Congratulating the sportswomen, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- I am very pleased that our local players are also growing, the Azerbaijani volleyball players who are represented in the national team. Both the national team and clubs proudly represent our country in international competitions. I can say that our domestic championship is perhaps one of the strongest in Europe. Several of our teams have made great achievements. Most importantly, our national team plays beautifully. I am confident that our team will show a good result in the European Championship.

As you know, Baku will host the first European Olympic Games in 2015. Volleyball is also part of the Games program. We expect new victories from our volleyball players. Of course, serious preparations are also under way for the Summer Olympics of 2016. Given such wonderful conditions I am confident that the results will be even better.

I want to congratulate you, the federation and the entire volleyball community on excellent results. Our volleyball is in the foreground, in first place among team sports. I think we should work hard for other team sports to reach this level. Congratulations again.

The head of state was presented with a ball of the Volleyball Federation of Azerbaijan signed by volleyball players.

The sportswomen were photographed with the President of Azerbaijan.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the "Azeryol" hotel.

It was noted that the six-storey hotel has 36 rooms, including two VIP ones, a restaurant and a coffee shop. The hotel is fully suited for the athletes arriving for training and guests. Built to the highest standards, the hotel imparts special beauty to the architectural ensemble of the complex.

It was indicated that "Azerrail" is considered the flagship of Azerbaijani volleyball. Founded in 2000, the club won the European Top Teams Cup in 2002. In 2004, "Azerrail" advanced to the "Final Four" of the Champions League and in 2010 won the Challenge Cup. Currently, the team plays in the Champions League. Established in 2011, "Azeryol" started playing in international competitions only recently.

The President praised the work done.