Here is the translation of the interview with Farrukh Mahmudov, Executive Vice President of the Azerbaijan Basketball Federation, on Offsideplus.az:

- Let's start our conversation by discussing the recent international competition. How do you evaluate the performance of the Azerbaijan men's national team in the World Cup qualifying stage, which they participated in for the first time in history?

In the qualifying stage, we fought until the very end against our opponents in the group. It was a great experience for us. I believe that in the future, we will achieve more positive results in the qualifying games.

- The women's national team also tested their strength in an international competition recently. What is required to strengthen our national team?

We are doing our best to develop women's basketball. There were unsuccessful results in the European Championship qualifiers, but we must consider that the average age of our women's team is 17.5 years. So, the team is actually composed of teenagers. I believe that in the coming years, our girls will improve their game and bring joy to the country's basketball fans with successful results.

- Undoubtedly, working with youth teams is essential for development in any sport. What steps are being taken in our country to involve children in basketball?

We have many strong foreign specialists and youth coaches working with youth teams. These professionals operate not only in Baku but also in the regions. The selection camps held frequently in our country are one of the key steps in this regard.

- To popularize basketball, a lot of work needs to be done not only in the capital, Baku, but also in the regions. What processes are ongoing for the development of this sport in other cities and regions?

The basketball academies established in the regions are one of the main directions for development. Naturally, the existence of professional clubs like “Ganja,” “Lankaran,” “Sheki,” and “Quba” in the regions also plays a significant role in this development.

- In our country, there were plans to form teams and hold championships in higher education institutions, similar to the practices in the United States. How is this progressing?

Work in this direction is being carried out intensively. If there are any updates regarding the final plan in the future, we will definitely provide detailed information to the media.

- Developing women's basketball is particularly difficult. The mental values in Azerbaijan, as well as the lack of traditions in this sport, make the issue even more complex. Are you satisfied with the efforts to attract girls to basketball? Why should an Azerbaijani girl choose basketball if she wants to become an athlete?

Under the leadership of our head coach Evren Alkaya, we are gradually taking steps to bring women's basketball to a higher level in our country. The women's national team has been formed, which itself is a sign of progress. Our youth team of girls managed to win the European Championship Division C in 2023 and 2024. Starting this year, our youth girls will compete in the B Division for the first time in the history of the country’s basketball. Additionally, our 3x3 women's national team, which earned a spot at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, is one of the key factors influencing the development of women's basketball. I hope that in the upcoming seasons, women's basketball will cover a larger scale, and we will create a big women's league. At that point, female basketball players will be able to pursue their professional basketball careers in a club, considering both health and financial opportunities.

- Are there plans to increase the number of basketball championships in Azerbaijan? Is it possible to revive the women's championship, create the first league for men, and organize a championship for amateur basketball players?

Currently, the issue we are seriously considering is the creation of the 1st League. As a federation, we are working intensively on this league. Once we have a broader base of basketball players in the country, the 1st League will be formed. We also have plans to reorganize the Women's Basketball League (WBL). If everything goes as planned, the league's games will take place this season. In previous seasons, we organized an amateur league, and repeating this is definitely part of our plans.

- Azerbaijan is becoming the center of international competitions for 3x3 basketball. What are the goals set for this sport?

In the 2025 3x3 season, one of our goals is to achieve successful results in the World Cup qualifying games and the World Women’s Series, which will be held in Baku for the first time. As you know, our 3x3 women's national team is the first to represent our country in team sports at the Paris Olympics. Our participation in Paris 2024 gives us confidence that our girls can qualify for the next Olympics as well. Naturally, our main goal is to earn the right to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

- What plans do you have to increase fan interest in the national team and championship games?

This is a process tied to time. For many years, there has been no professional-level championship in our country, and achieving this in a short time is not an easy task. As a federation, we are working to lay a solid foundation for basketball traditions in Azerbaijan, and I believe that in time, we will be able to achieve this. Organizing various fun contests and competitions in arenas is one of the steps in this direction.

- The federation leadership intends to turn basketball in our country into a competition among brands. Are you satisfied with the interest of companies and entrepreneurs in this field? What steps should be taken to attract new sponsors to basketball?

Currently, we are collaborating with several well-known companies. We hope that the number of these companies will increase in the future and that they will invest more in basketball. Last season, the "Sabah" club represented our country in European club competitions. Several of our clubs are expected to compete in Europe in the next season. This, in itself, will be one of the main areas of interest for sponsors collaborating with our clubs.