SPORTS
“CHAMPION” ANNOUNCES POLLING RESULTS
The prize for contributions to development of gymnastics in Azerbaijan, successful holding the 2003 World Cup in Baku, and for efforts taken for Baku to be selected as a 2005 World Championship host was bestowed upon president of the Azerbaijan Federation of Gymnastics Mehriban khanum Aliyeva.
World boxing champion Agasi Mammadov won the prize as the “Best Athlete of the Year” while senior coach of the national free-style wrestling team Yagub Mammadov - “Trainer of the Year”, women’s volleyball team - “Team of the Year”, Gurban Gurbanov - “Footballer of the Year”, footballer Bakhtiyar Musayev - “Gentleman of the Year”, “Sport figure of the year” - Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev, FIDE arbiter Faig Hasanov - “Referee of the Year”. Last year, Azerbaijani athletes won 64 gold, 54 silver and 70 bronze medals in various international competitions including Olympic sports. By now, Azerbaijanis won 20 Olympic licenses.
Following President Ilham Aliyev’s election as president of the National Olympic Committee in 1997, sport life in Azerbaijan has dramatically changed, Minister Abulfaz Garayev said. His work resulted in the perfect performances of Azerbaijani athletes in the 2000 Olympic games.
The prizewinners thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for permanent attention and regard for sportsmen. The ceremony was attended by ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan Ahmad Unal Chevikez.
