Azerbaijani president celebrates nation’s Olympic triumph & future ambitions

On August 14, President of Azerbaijan and President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev received athletes who won medals at the Paris Summer Olympic Games, along with their coaches.

President Aliyev began his address by warmly congratulating the athletes on their “brilliant victories,” emphasizing how they had represented Azerbaijan with great dignity on the world stage, Caliber.Az reports via Azertac news agency.

"You have raised the Azerbaijani flag and made our people happy," he said, expressing both his congratulations and deep gratitude. The president underscored the significance of the Olympic Games, noting that it stands out as a unique competition, held every four years, where athletes and nations prepare with unmatched dedication.

He highlighted that Azerbaijan’s success in previous Olympic Games, as well as the latest ones, is a testament to the country’s status as a "strong sports nation". With two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, Azerbaijan finished among the top 30 countries in the world. Aliyev praised this result as "very good," and added, "Azerbaijan ranks third among Muslim countries," a remarkable achievement considering there are 57 members in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Special congratulations were given to the gold medalists, Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoyev, who Aliyev described as having given the nation "the joy of victory" early in the games. Their consistent leadership in their weight classes and their conduct, both on and off the mat, were particularly commendable. Aliyev also took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of their coaches and the leadership of the Judo Federation, noting that their effective management had clearly contributed to these successes.

Reflecting on the overall performance of the Azerbaijani team, Aliyev acknowledged that while they could have won more medals, the development of sports in Azerbaijan is a consistent and ongoing process. He pointed out that Azerbaijani athletes won medals in five different sports - judo, boxing, taekwondo, Greco-Roman wrestling, and freestyle wrestling - demonstrating the diverse growth of sports disciplines in the country.

Looking ahead, Aliyev emphasized the importance of preparing for future competitions, including European and world championships, and especially the next Olympic Games. He noted that some sports are undergoing a generational change, making it crucial to pay special attention to youth and children's sports. Aliyev expressed confidence that the country’s existing sports infrastructure and the successful coordination between sports institutions would foster the next generation of athletes.

The president also reiterated his long-standing goal of promoting the massive nature of sports, aiming to raise a young generation that is "physically and spiritually healthy, attached to the fatherland, patriotic, and professional." The recent Olympic successes, he said, validate these efforts and give Azerbaijan every reason to be proud of its young athletes.

Aliyev also highlighted the increased responsibility that comes with such achievements. He expressed his satisfaction with the exemplary conduct of the athletes, both in competitions and in life, stating, "you are an example for the younger generation. Young people will look up to you and want to be like you."

In response, Olympic champion and judoka Hidayat Heydarov expressed his gratitude to the president for his unwavering support. He recalled how Aliyev had personally congratulated him on his world championship victory and had been the first to call him upon winning the Olympic title. Heydarov expressed pride in raising the Azerbaijani flag in Paris and vowed to continue striving for success, especially at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.