Baku hosts 24th World wrestling championship of servicemen

Defence Minister Safar Abiyev, National Olympic Committee vice-president Abulfas Garayev, Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov and International Military Sports Council Representative Johan Puher participated in the ceremony, APA reports.

Safar Abiyev stated that every year sport contests of 14 kinds are held in the Azerbaijan Armed Forces. "The number of sport kinds is increasing every year. At the moment 26 sport departments are functioning in the Defense Ministry Central Army Sports Club. Central Army Sports Club sportsmen have been awarded 53 gold, 32 silver and 56 bronze medals since 1995," Abiyev said.

He also added that Azerbaijan is the first country in South Caucasus and the third among post-Soviet countries after Russia and Estonia where the 24th world wrestling championship of servicemen is held.

Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov informed the guests about the work done for the development of sport in Azerbaijan. He noted that most medals were won in wrestling.

International Military Sports Council Representative Johan Puher said Azerbaijan is one the most active members of the organization and has hosted a number of its events. The representative noted that the organization intends to hold world championship of military sports in India.

Over 4000 participants are expected to take part in the event. 311 sportsmen of 20 Asian and European countries joined the world wrestling championship of the servicemen. Azerbaijan is represented by 29 sportsmen.

The championship will last till November 2 in the Heydar Aliyev Sport and Concert Complex.