“PRESIDENT`s CUP” INTERNATIONAL KARATE TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN BAKU
The “President`s Cup” international karate tournament commemorating the 85th anniversary of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev started in Baku on Saturday. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Azerbaijani deputy minister of youth and sports Ismayil Ismayilov noted President Ilham Aliyev`s contributions to developing sports in the country.
He said last year Azerbaijan hosted more than 36 international sports tournaments.
President of the World Karate Federation Antonio Espinos praised the Azerbaijani President`s attention to development of karate in the country.
Espinos said he hopes a national karate center will soon be created in Azerbaijan, adding he discussed the issue during his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.
After the ceremony, foreign guests of honor who came to Baku to attend the tournament were presented with keepsakes and honorary diplomas.
The tournament brings together 127 karate fighters from 23 countries from around the world.
The first day saw competitions in the national teams` event, where Azerbaijan was represented by three squads - one national and two youth ones.
Azerbaijan`s national fighters ranked third after beating Georgian and Iranian rivals; and the second Azerbaijani team repeated their success.
According to the tournament`s regulations, the winners face a team consisting of world and European champions, which also includes Azerbaijani Rafael Agayev.
In the first day, the all-star team claimed the championship title after beating Turkey in the final.
The winners will get $5,000, while the second and third place holders $3,000 and $1,000 respectively.
Sunday will see fights in the individual event.
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