“I am very happy to be in a brotherly contry, Azerbaijan.”
Representative of the EHF (European Handball Federation) Kenan Gökmen stated this to İdman.biz.
According to him, the interest in handball in Azerbaijan is satisfactory:
“Kure” is a strong team. In yesterdayS game I saw that this team is in pretty good shape. Although the result of the game was not what they wanted, the team fought well. I believe that they will be able to show the same performance in today’s match. At the meeting I watched yesterday, the hall was full. This shows that there is great interest in handball in Azerbaijan. Of course, if these fans see their team’s success by coming here, that’s even better.I compare Azerbaijan with my country. Both countries want to achieve great results in sports. As a Turk, I am happy to see Azerbaijan’s successful results.”
Let us note that the men’s handball team “Kure” will play it’s next game today as part of the European Cup.In the return match of the 1/16 finals, the representative of Mingachevir will meet with the Icelandic team “Haukar”. The match will be judged by referees from Moldova – Cristina Sirbu and Victor Serdiuch. The EHF representative at the meeting is Kenan Gökmen from Turkey.
How does fan engagement impact the performance of handball teams in Azerbaijan?
Interview with Kenan Gökmen: Insights on Handball in Azerbaijan
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Kenan! We’re thrilled to have you here. As a representative of the European Handball Federation, how do you feel about the current state of handball in Azerbaijan?
Kenan Gökmen: Thank you! I am very happy to be in a brotherly country, Azerbaijan. The interest in handball here is indeed satisfactory. The enthusiasm from the fans is palpable, especially at the recent matches I attended.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the ”Kure” team specifically. What are your impressions of their performance and the atmosphere during the games?
Kenan Gökmen: ”Kure” is a strong team. In their recent match, even though the result wasn’t what they had hoped for, their fighting spirit was commendable. The hall was full, which is a testament to the great interest in handball within the community.When fans see their team perform well, it onyl enhances that passion and commitment to the sport.
Time.news Editor: It’s exciting to hear about such vibrant support for handball! how important is fan engagement for the development of handball in Azerbaijan?
Kenan Gökmen: Fan engagement is crucial. When fans fill the stands and support their teams, it creates an electric atmosphere that boosts player morale. Additionally,a dedicated fanbase can attract sponsorships and media attention,both of which are vital for the sport’s growth in any country. Azerbaijan is no exception.
Time.news Editor: As you draw comparisons between Turkey and Azerbaijan, what shared ambitions do these two countries have in the realm of sports?
Kenan Gökmen: Both countries aspire to achieve significant results in various sports, including handball.We are driven by the same passion for excellence in athletics and the desire to make a mark on the European and global stage. It’s heartening to see this shared ambition manifesting in competitions like the European Cup.
Time.news Editor: Today’s match for ”Kure” against the Icelandic team “Haukar” is highly anticipated. What can fans expect from this game?
Kenan Gökmen: Fans can expect a thrilling encounter! “Kure” has shown resilience and skill, and I believe they will put forth a strong performance in their next match. Every game is a learning experience, and I hope the players will apply their past lessons to secure a favorable outcome.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you give to emerging teams in Azerbaijan to improve their prospects in international competitions?
Kenan Gökmen: One critical area for improvement is training and development. Cultivating young talent through academies and fostering a deep understanding of the game from an early age is essential. Additionally, increasing exposure to international matches through kind competitions can considerably enhance the teams’ skills and confidence.
Time.news Editor: To wrap up, what message would you like to convey to the fans in Azerbaijan?
Kenan Gökmen: keep supporting your teams! Your enthusiasm is invaluable. When you cheer for “Kure” and other teams, you play a vital role in their success. together, we can elevate handball in Azerbaijan to new heights.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Kenan, for your insights and for taking the time to speak with us. We look forward to watching the growth of handball in Azerbaijan!
Kenan Gökmen: Thank you for having me! It’s an honour to witness the passion for handball here.