SPORTS
Baku hosts opening of 39th European karate championship
Baku, February 10 (AZERTAC). The opening ceremony of 39th European junior and youth karate championship has taken place at the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex.
The tournament will bring together over 700 fighters from 40 countries, including Turkey, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, Georgia and France.
Azerbaijan`s squad will include 26 fighters.
Speaking to the opening ceremony, minister of youth and sports, Azad Rahimov, praised President Ilham Aliyev`s attention to developing sports in the country. Rahimov said Azerbaijan was recognized as a sports country on the global scale. The Minister stressed the importance of the fact that “Azerbaijan is successfully hosting high-profile sports tournaments”.
President of the National Karate Federation, Yashar Bashirov, hailed Azerbaijani sportsmen`s achievements on the global scale.
Secretary General of European Karate Federation, George Yerolimpos, lauded Azerbajan`s sport achievements. He praised the country`s hosting international tournaments. He also hailed the organization of the 39th European junior and youth karate championship.