“July was marked by interesting activities and important events. Amid the dynamic flow of the summer season, successful performances at international sports competitions, direct interaction with youth in both the capital and regions, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and meaningful initiatives to ensure active youth participation in public processes were carried out.”
This was stated by Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov while assessing the month of July, Idman.biz reports.
In the 47th edition of “The Minister’s Perspective,” he noted that when Azerbaijani and Georgian youth come together, geographical borders are replaced by new opportunities, and our duty is to expand them: “Based on the instructions of our country’s leader, events such as the Azerbaijan-Georgia 'Youth Week' which brought together hundreds of young people from both countries, the traditional 'Azerbaijani-Georgian Youth Camp' in the city of Guba, seminars in our youth capital Sumgayit, and the forum held in Baku at the end of the week further strengthened our strategic partnership. We held open and sincere conversations with the youth not only on official platforms but also in the camp environment and various other settings. This format created real opportunities to clearly envision the next steps. The fact that my colleague, the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth Givi Mikanadze made his first official foreign visit as minister to Azerbaijan during this week is a clear indication of the importance placed on our cooperation.”
Gayibov emphasized that the 21st meeting with representatives of sports federations, aimed at strengthening cooperation with sports organizations and conducting mutual exchange of ideas, also took place in July: “During the meeting, we held extensive discussions on recent efforts, achievements, and upcoming tasks. These kinds of meetings are important for strengthening collaboration with federations. As part of tradition, we also met with our athletes who have proudly represented our country on international stages. It is pleasing that the number of medal-winning athletes continues to grow, and alongside well-known names, new and young athletes are also achieving success.”
The Minister stated that at the 32nd World Summer University Games held in Germany, our rhythmic gymnastics group team made a successful debut in Universiade history by winning 2 gold and 1 silver medals in different programs: “Our judo team won a silver medal at the competition. Compared to the previous Universiade, our team advanced 14 places in the overall ranking, climbing to 24th place. One of the key multi-sport events of the summer season, the European Youth Summer Olympic Festival, was held in North Macedonia this year. Interestingly, the number and type of medals won by our young athletes matched our results from 2023 – 3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals. For the first time, we participated in the European Youth Paralympic Games. Our athletes performed successfully there as well, winning a total of 13 medals – 4 gold, 2 silver, and 7 bronze. Another piece of good news came from students of the Azerbaijan Sports Academy. For the first time in history, they became European champions in university futsal competitions. I congratulate all our athletes on their victories and wish them continued success.”
Gayibov noted that sports competitions among employees of state institutions are also ongoing: “This time, swimming and skeet shooting competitions were held. Of course, the main goal of these events is to further engage the population in sports and promote a healthy lifestyle. The number of sports clubs in state institutions is increasing, and this is encouraging. Interest in technical sports is also growing in our country. The 'Legends of the Night' event in Baku, which brought together automobile sports enthusiasts, amazed spectators with extreme drift and stunt shows. We also got acquainted with the activities of the 'Moto X Club'. There, we held discussions with the leadership of the Azerbaijan Motorcycle Sports Federation.”
The Minister stated that, based on the relevant instructions of the head of state, the support provided by various institutions to Azerbaijani youth is expanding year by year: “The implemented activities and initiatives play an effective role in the development of our youth and the achievements of our athletes. Undoubtedly, the attention and support given to the development of Azerbaijani youth and sports lay the groundwork for even greater successes in the future.”
Idman.biz
