The National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan hosts on Monday a meeting with local athletes who won medals in different sports competitions held on June 14 as part of the first European Games.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov, vice-presidents of the NOC Chingiz Huseynzade and Khazar Isayev, secretary general of the NOC Aghajan Abiyev and vice-president of the Wrestling Federation Namig Abdullayev.
The NOC officials rewarded Elvin Mursaliyev (gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling among men, in the weight category of 75 kg), Aykhan Mammadov (gold medalist in the men’s kumite competition, in the weight category of 84 kg), Irina Zaretska (gold medalist in the women’s kumite competition, in the weight category of 68 kg) and Rostislav Pevtsov (bronze medalist in triathlon). Only Sabah Shariati who won silver in the men’s 130kg wrestling did not participate in the meeting.
NOC vice-president Chingiz Huseynzade opened the meeting and congratulated the medalists.
Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov in turn expressed satisfaction with the performance of Azerbaijani athletes at the first European Games.
“I’m very glad that our athletes won numerous medals in the first three days of the European Games. Frankly, we did not expect so many gold medals. I would like to emphasize Rostislav Pevtsov who won a bronze medal in triathlon which is not very popular in the country. Now, Azerbaijan ranks first in team standings following the first three days of the Games, and it is a great achievement. Of course, the leader can change in the coming days. Distinguished guests have already left the country. All of them expressed satisfaction with the organization of the Games. We are pleased with their statements. We have shown that Azerbaijan is a sports country and ready to host major events. We are waiting for many medals from our athletes in the upcoming competitions. I once again congratulate our medalists and wish success to athletes who will compete in the coming days,” the minister added.
Later on, the medalists signed a special board of honor and were handed over gifts.
Azerbaijan proves itself as sport country, minister says
15 June 2015
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