POLITICS
President Ilham Aliyev: We are also among leading countries in the field of sports, and we must maintain this leadership
Baku, March 17, AZERTAC
“Our athletes have been promoting Azerbaijan in the world for many years. I have repeatedly said during meetings with the sports community that sport is our state policy and that it reflects the power of each country. If we look at the rankings of countries in international competitions and the Olympic Games, we can see that it is usually representatives of developed countries that achieve great success,” said President Ilham Aliyev as he received members of the Azerbaijani team participating in the 7th edition of the European U23 Wrestling Championships held in Bulgaria.
“We are among leading countries not only in the economic and other spheres, but also in the field of sports, and we must maintain this leadership. It is no coincidence that international sports organizations have great respect for Azerbaijan. Otherwise, two world-class competitions would not have been held in Azerbaijan – the European Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games. The hosting of two major events in one country and one city in a matter of two years is a sign of the attitude of the international sports community and federations to us,” the head of state said.
“Thanks to the opportunities of our country, as well as the hospitality and sports infrastructure available in Azerbaijan, we can hold all kinds of sports competitions. We have created all these conditions for athletes to maintain the glory of our state at a high level and to promote sports. This is one of the tasks I set before the Minister of Youth and Sports, the new leadership – to promote sports and use the existing infrastructure in all regions,” President Ilham Aliyev added.