Mahir Mammedov: "The scenarios of the opening and closing ceremonies are under preparations"

Interview of the director of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee and the vice-president of the Azerbaijani Chess Federation Mr. Mahir Mammedov:

- First, we would like to talk about the visit of the FIDE officials. What kind of issues were discussed with the representatives of the International Chess Federation?

- A certain number of important issues was discussed with the delegation led by the FIDE Deputy President Mr. Georgios Makropoulos. First we visited the Crystal Hall, where the Chess Olympiad will be held. Then we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the hotels, accommodating the guests for the Olympiad. A report was given about the works which had been done till now. The main important issues that were discussed between the Operating Committee and the FIDE officials, along with the visas procedures, are the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Olympiad, the welcoming and the accommodating of the arbiters and players.

- How do you assess the works, which have been done till now by the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee?

- Much work has been done to held the World Chess Olympiad at the highest level. The organizational works are going accordingly to the plan. The preparation works to the Olympiad are almost at the final stage. The FIDE officials will come to Azerbaijan regularly and will be acquainted with the works which will be done for each month. All departments were set in the Operating Committee by now. The media center, VIP sector, and the other necessary areas were divided in the arena. Now the scenarios of the opening and closing ceremonies are under preparation.

- By the way, where the opening ceremony of the Olympiad will be held?

- In the regard of the Opening and Closing ceremonies, a tender was announced. The winner of the tender is the company which will organize both ceremonies. The company proposed us two arenas. The final decision was not made yet. The experience of the local experts will be used for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. We want to show to the guests the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan.

- A large number of guests and participants will come to Baku for this great competition, according to the participation expectations. How their visas issue will be solved?

- The Ministry of Youth and Sports helps us with this matter from the first day. The practice of the Ministry was used so as to elaborate the best solution for our participants to get their visas, so we don’t expect any problems.

- What about the security issues during the tournament? This issue is also crucial to the Olympiad.

- We rae discussing with the relevant authorities. The necessary preparations are going so as to guarantee the safety of the participants during the tournament. In 2015, Baku organized the World Chess Cup at the highest level. This time, the number of participating countries and players is much higher. More than 175 countries will participate to the Olympiad. For this reason, the security measures will be much stronger.

- Please, tell us about the preparation plan of the national teams. When will the teams composition be announced?

- This is the main issue of the Azerbaijani Chess Federation by now. As you know, Azerbaijan will be represented by three teams, including the women and men teams.The Captains and the preparation plan of the teams have already been defined. The teams will participate in the training meetings. The members of the national team will be announced to the press soon.

 Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee