The number of participants and foreigners in the III Odlar Yurdu International Surfcasting (shore fishing) tournament held in Azerbaijan this year is higher compared to previous years.

Azer Aliyev, chairman of the board of the "Baku Fishermen and Underwater Hunters Club" PA, said in an interview with "Report" regarding the organization of the III Odlar Yurdu International Surfcasting (shore fishing) tournament held in Azerbaijan.

He said that the number of participants is higher this year:

"The "Baku Fishermen and Underwater Hunters Club" is holding this tournament in Azerbaijan for the third time. This year, the number of participants and foreigners is higher compared to previous years. In total, there are about 70 participants, 44 of whom are from foreign countries. Each of the participants is a professional fisherman. We have also participated in tournaments held in foreign countries and have seen their professionalism. I hope that the tournament will give impetus to the development of sports fishing in Azerbaijan and create a basis for holding the next competitions in the future."

The club official emphasized that professional sports fishing has developed significantly in Azerbaijan in the last 10 years:

"The development of professional and cultural sports fishing has accelerated in Azerbaijan in the last 10 years. The positive aspects of this are that professional athletes catch fish, take pictures and release them into the water. This prevents the destruction of fish, which is a depleting resource. We also educate other people and our children in this regard. Instead of catching and destroying fish, fishing can also be developed as a hobby or sport."

A. Aliyev also assessed the chances of Azerbaijani athletes:

"There are professional fishermen and champions among foreigners. Therefore, I assess the chances of Azerbaijani athletes at a 50-50 percentage. True, we have many nominations. Both Azerbaijanis and foreigners can win in each of them. Azerbaijani athletes have participated in foreign tournaments. We took third place in the competition in Poland. We have been prize-winners in Greece. Our athletes already have victories in foreign countries. There are different types of fishing. This is a competition for shore fishing and is mainly held in countries located on the sea, as well as on the ocean coast."

It should be noted that this tournament, which is being held for the third time in Azerbaijan, will end on April 27.