AZE.US
President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijani wrestlers have once again shown that they are the strongest in Europe, praising the national team after its victory in the team standings at the European Championship.
Aliyev made the remarks during a meeting with the wrestlers and their coaches.
The president said the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation will continue improving its work to involve young athletes, especially those from the regions, in training programs and training camps.
He noted that every region of Azerbaijan now has Olympic sports complexes as well as wrestling halls, creating a wider base for identifying and preparing future champions.
“This selection work will, of course, form the basis of our future success,” Aliyev said.
Speaking about the broader development of Azerbaijani sport, Aliyev said the country’s athletes continue to represent Azerbaijan with dignity at the Olympic Games, world championships and European championships.
He said victories and defeats are both part of sport, but the most important factor is the strong will to win shown by Azerbaijani athletes.
“Today, our state and our people, living as a victorious state and a victorious people, are proud, including of our sporting achievements,” Aliyev said.
The president also touched on judging at international competitions, saying Azerbaijani athletes often face more unfairness at European tournaments than at world championships.
“Apparently, not everyone in Europe is pleased with Azerbaijan’s participation in European championships, and not only its participation, but also the fact that it defeats all European countries,” Aliyev said.
Aliyev also shared a message on his X account following the wrestlers’ success.
“Every time our flag is raised at international competitions, the entire Azerbaijani people feel pride and joy,” the post said.
The message added that Azerbaijani wrestlers had once again shown that they are “first in Europe.”
Hər dəfə beynəlxalq yarışlarda bizim bayrağımız qaldırılanda bütün Azərbaycan xalqı qürur hissi keçirir, sevinir.
Azərbaycan güləşçiləri bir daha göstərdilər ki, onlar Avropada birincidirlər. pic.twitter.com/PwggLoD8dk
— İlham Əliyev (@azpresident) April 30, 2026
AZE.US