INTERVIEW OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV TO LEADER TV CHANNEL
QUESTION: Mr. President, Farid Mansurov has brought the first gold medal to our country. How did you feel about the news?
ANSWER: I felt very happy. As you know, yesterday I was in Germany for an official visit. I learned of the start of the final bout from Baku as there was not a chance there to watch it on the television. I was really happy to hear that Farid had won the gold medal. He is very young but at the same time very professional athlete, besides, he is very modest and well-mannered guy. Hope we will have more medals. The games showed that sport is really developing in Azerbaijan, and our athletes are duly representing the country.
QUESTION: Mr. President, we would like to know how do you feel while conferring a gold medal upon Azerbaijani sportsmen?
ANSWER: I always take a pride at such moments. Every citizen of Azerbaijan including me takes pride every time the national flag of Azerbaijan is being hoisted and the anthem is being performed. It is not easy to express such feelings.
QUESTION: Mr. President, Farid Mansurov is a soldier of the Azerbaijan National Army, and is now on an active service. Isn’t it generally symbolic that an Azerbaijani soldier wins a gold medal in the Olympic games?
ANSWER: Of course, of course it is. I often note that successes of our athletes lift the patriotic spirit of our youth. It is certainly of great importance.
QUESTION: Mr. President, our wrestlers and taekwondoinst are about to enter the fight. What would you wish them?
ANSWER: I wish them worthy performances. Victory may be and may not be gained. Sport is sport. The most important is that every athlete should realize that he represents not only himself but also the whole country. He must remember that the people of Azerbaijan are watching him and waiting for the victory.
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