Opening ceremony was held

On December 23, the opening ceremony of International Weightlifting Tournament dedicated to National Hero Fakhraddin Shahbazov’s memory was held in the competition hall of Weightlifting Academy in Shuvelan. The guests expressed their opinion about the tournament.

First, deputy Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Republic, vice-president of Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation- Ismayil Ismayilov was given the floor. After greeting everyone, he highlighted the intensive development of sport in our country: There is great attention and care for the development of sport in Azerbaijan. As a result, many international competitions are organized in our country every year, at the same time, our athletes properly represent our homeland. In 2017, our athletes got 851 medals. 55 international competitions held in Azerbaijan also caused great sympathy. Among them is the IV Islamic Solidarity Games that we took the 1st place in the number of medals, Formula 1-one of the most popular races in the world and their high level organization. The competition dedicated to the memory of National Hero Fakhraddin Shahbazov is also of great importance. I emphasize the importance of the traditional tournament and wish everyone success. ”

Then Chief of Baku Youth and Sports Department- Rafig Abbasov took the floor: “This competition, dedicated to the memory of National Hero Fakhraddin Shahbazov, has been held for many years and has become a good tradition. I express my gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who are involved in its promotion. It is important to emphasize the role of the Azerbaijan Youth and Sports Ministry and AZE WF, the referees and technical staff, the efforts of the veterans, the role of AzTV. This competition is the promotion of patriotism. Mr. President Ilham pays great attention to this issue, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring all the necessary conditions for improving the spirit of patriotism among the younger generation. Once again, I would like to thank everybody and wish success to the athletes. I greet the family of the deceased and convey my condolences “.

The wife of the deceased-Nasiba Shahbazova also spoke. She thanked the athletes for their participation in the competition and the organizers for remembering him and organizing such competitions. İn the end, Fakhraddin, the grandson of the National Hero, said: “I am proud of being a grandson of Fakhraddin Shahbazov, I miss him” and won the applause of the audience.

The competition was declared open and the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was sounded. Then, 69kg weight category athletes joined the medal struggle.