European gymnastics champ starts in Baku

The 23rd European championship on rhythmic gymnastics started in Baku on Friday.

Over 200 athletes from 33 countries are competing in the tournament being held at the Sports and Concert Complex named after Heydar Aliyev. 25 journalists from Germany, the Czech Republic, Russia, Georgia and other countries will give coverage to the championship to close on Sunday.

The Baku police shifted to a tightened work schedule on Thursday to ensure the security of the tournament participants and visitors. Security has been tightened primarily around the Absheron and Europe hotels where foreign guests have been accommodated.

The Azerbaijani government has allocated 800,000 manats to organize the championship, Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov said. He did not rule out the allocation of additional funds if the need arises.*