Elchin Zeynalov, coach of Azerbaijan’s Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Toghrul Asgarov and sambo player Amil Gasimov, both of whom will compete at the inaugural European Games, carried the Torch along Nizami Street to start the Relay.

The Flame was then passed to professional chess player Sabina Ibrahimova, before boxer Rufat Huseynov and Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze-medal winning judoka Movlud Miraliyev were joined by Matanat Latifova, Ali Babajanov, Ilham Irani, Nizami Ahmadov and Azer Aslanov in completing the 3.7 kilometres route.  

Asgarov, a student of the Ganja Olympic Stadium wrestling school along with Asian champion and freestyle wrestling World Cup winner Abil Ibrahimov, was the final Torchbearer as he carried the Flame into the Heydar Aliyev Park for the Lighting Ceremony.

Ganja residents were later treated to a free evening event, which included a spectacular 15-minute fire show specially created for the Festival of Fire celebrations.

Official Baku 2015 mascots Jeyran and Nar mingled with spectators and watched as dove shaped balloons, symbols of peace, were released into the sky.

“Tonight’s Festival of Fire is the most unforgettable event our city has hosted so far but I believe that one day in the future we will be nominated to host the European Games,” said Zeynalov.

“The speed of our country’s development is what makes me believe this.

“I am proud that two of my students Togrul Asgarov and Amil Gasimov will compete in the first-ever European Games.

“I have no doubt that these Games will produce some great victories for our athletes and will be carved into the memories of all Azerbaijanis.”

Ganja is also the birthplace of former world and European freestyle wrestling champion, Aydin Ibrahimov.

“I am very happy that this great event will be held in Azerbaijan,” added Zeynalov.

“I never doubted that the journey of the Flame would visit Ganja as Ganja is a city of ancient history and rich sporting traditions.”

Already accustomed to international attention due to its rich cultural heritage, Ganja is currently preparing itself for holding the honour of European Youth Capital next year.

Fikrat Amirov, composer of 1001 Nights ballet, hails from the city along with Nizami Ganjavi, a 12th century Persian poet, and Gambar Huseynli, composer of the famous ‘Cucelerim’ children’s song.

The Flame will continue its journey to Dashkesan and Samukh for smaller welcome ceremonies tomorrow.

For further information on the Flame’s journey, click here. 


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