President says Azerbaijan known in the world as sporting nation

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan’s President, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev has awarded sportsmen and specialists in accordance with results of 2014.

A solemn ceremony was held at the National Olympic Committee on December 22.

The head of state addressed the event. Azerbaijan is known in the world as a sporting nation today, the president said.

“All organizations governing sports are working hard. The National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, federations, societies, clubs – in other words, sport in Azerbaijan is developing well and the state policy is conducted at a high level,” he said.

The president said the country had excellent results in the field of sports this year. “Year after year our athletes win more medals. This year has been no exception either. In international competitions, world and European championships we have won 805 medals, including 275 gold. Compared to last year, the number of medals has increased again.”

The number of medals is the main indicator of the development of sport, he added.

During the year, Azerbaijan has hosted several prestigious international competitions. Two of these were European Championships – in rhythmic gymnastics and taekwondo. Every year Azerbaijan hosts international competitions. Thus, Azerbaijan demonstrates its capabilities in this area too.

The president noted Azerbaijan’s success at Youth Summer Olympic Games 2014 held in China, where the country became 10th among 204 countries. “These Games were historic for us – our athletes have won the greatest and historic victory at these Games.”

President Aliyev especially noted that these successes have been achieved by athletes who grew up in the years of independence.

“I am confident that we will continue to consistently achieve these successes. The success of our young athletes is a historic achievement. I am sure that growing up, they will repeat this success,” he noted.

The head of state also mentioned construction of the sport facilities around the country.

“In general, there are 41 Olympic Centers in the countryside. Overall, we have created more than 50 large Olympic centers in recent years. So each region has ample opportunities for doing sports – swimming pools, indoor and outdoor gyms, the entire infrastructure,” he stressed.

Cooperation with international sports bodies was also successful this year, he added.

“It is no coincidence that the first European Games will be held in Baku. These Games are a historic event because, as you know, such games are to be held in Europe for the first time and this responsibility falls on us. And we have assumed this responsibility and were ready for that,” the president said.

He stressed that preparatory work is in the final stages.

Azerbaijan had only two and a half years to prepare. But the work is carried out with high quality, on schedule and all the facilities will be ready on time, the president believes. “As a result of these Games, Azerbaijan will have an updated and new sports infrastructure, so it will be possible to host Summer Olympic Games in the future as well.”

For the number of athletes and sports European games are very close to summer Olympic Games. They will bring together more than 6,000 athletes to compete in 20 sports.

“These games also demonstrate the strength of our country…We have a strong economy and the political processes are going in a positive direction,” he stressed.

The head of state also expressed confident that sporting successes will be achieved next year too, and awarded athletes and sports professionals.