President Aliyev: Azerbaijan reaffirms its strength as sports nation in global competitions PHOTO

On December 24, Baku hosted a ceremony to celebrate Azerbaijan's sports achievements in 2024, recognizing the outstanding performances of Azerbaijani athletes in international competitions.

The event was attended by Azerbaijani President and President of the National Olympic Committee, Ilham Aliyev, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

During his speech, President Aliyev praised Azerbaijani athletes for their outstanding performance on the international stage. “2024 was a successful year for Azerbaijani sports. Azerbaijani athletes represented our country with dignity in international competitions, winning nearly 1,700 medals,” he stated.

The president highlighted the progress in sports development within the country, emphasizing the emergence of a new generation of athletes. “This demonstrates that our sports are developing, a new generation of athletes is emerging, and Azerbaijan, as a sports nation, confirms its strength in various international competitions,” he noted.

Acknowledging the significant role of sports in Azerbaijani society, President Aliyev underscored the government’s commitment to continued investment in the sector. “Our athletes always delight the Azerbaijani people with their victories. It goes without saying that whatever is necessary for the development of sports will continue to be done in the coming year and in the following years. Because the policy of the Azerbaijani state in this direction is very open and unambiguous, and it has been carried out for many years,” he said.

The president also pointed out the broader societal impact of sports, particularly on youth development and patriotism. “Sport is an integral part of Azerbaijani society, adding that the sport factor is of tremendous importance, especially in the upbringing of the younger generation and instilling patriotic feelings in the younger generation.”

Touching on Azerbaijan’s broader achievements and resilience, President Aliyev emphasized the country’s independent path. “Azerbaijan is a strong state, a country that relies on its own strength, follows its own way, has no obligations to anyone, does not bow down to anyone, moves forward with dignity and honesty, and this is our great wealth,” he remarked.

He also addressed the global challenges affecting many nations, contrasting them with Azerbaijan’s stability. “The developments unfolding in the world today are obvious. Bloody clashes, wars, conflicts, the gross interference of some countries in the affairs of others, the escalation of the situation – we do not see and will not see all this in Azerbaijan,” he asserted.

Looking ahead to 2025, President Aliyev announced ambitious plans for the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city. “Starting next year, major repair and restoration work will be carried out in the city of Ganja,” he revealed.

He elaborated on the scope of the planned projects, saying, “The city infrastructure will be renewed, city transport will be completely renovated, historical buildings will be restored and other infrastructure projects will be implemented so that Ganja, our ancient city, the homeland of Nizami, can showcase its beauty, historical appearance and modernity to the entire CIS and beyond.”

Highlighting the revival of the liberated lands, President Aliyev said: “Life is starting anew there (in the liberated territories – ed.), from scratch. The projects we are implementing are unmatched in the world and perhaps never will be."

“In a vast geography, on an area of 15,000-16,000 square kilometers, which Armenia completely razed to the ground, a new life is emerging, and it is modern, beautiful, and comfortable,” the president added.

By Khagan Isayev