The European Shooting Championships have officially opened in Baku.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Ismayil Ismayilov highlighted Azerbaijan`s sporting accomplishments. He said Azerbaijan has rich experience in hosting high-profile sporting events such as the first European Games, Chess Olympiad, Islamic Solidarity Games and Formula 1 race.
President of the International Shooting Sport Federation Olegario Vázquez Raña hailed excellent organization of the European Shooting Championships in Baku.
President of the European Shooting Confederation Vladimir Lisin thanked Azerbaijan`s National Olympic Committee and the country`s Shooting Federation for hosting the championships.
About a thousand athletes from 43 countries contest 79 sets of medals in 10m, 25m, 50m rifle and pistol events at the tournament, which is organized by Azerbaijan Shooting Federation and the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Azerbaijani athletes will compete in 25m, 50m, 300m shooting and all types of stand shooting.