Baku: A ceremony dedicated to the accomplishments in sports in 2025 was held on December 26, with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the National Olympic Committee, Ilham Aliyev, in attendance. The head of state delivered a comprehensive speech at the event, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Azerbaijani athletes on the international stage.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev addressed the athletes and sports professionals, noting the record-breaking success of Azerbaijani athletes who secured over 2,000 medals, including approximately 600 golds, at international competitions in 2025. This achievement is attributed to the sustained attention and consistent state policy devoted to sports development in Azerbaijan. The president emphasized the importance of sports as an integral component of state policy, with major investments in infrastructure and the construction of two new Olympic Sports Centers in Ganja and Yevlakh.
President Aliyev highlighted the role of sports in fostering a healthy and patriotic young generation, crucial for the future development of the country. He underscored the significance of sports in instilling national pride and the unity of physical fitness and moral integrity among youth. The president also commended the successful hosting of numerous international sports events, including the third CIS Games and an international UFC tournament, which showcased Azerbaijan's growing capabilities on a global platform.
The president announced the forthcoming hosting of the Ski World Cup at the Shahdagh Ski Resort, marking Azerbaijan's entry into the international ski calendar. This development signifies a major achievement for the country and contributes to the advancement of the tourism sector, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing regional infrastructure.
During the ceremony, President Aliyev recognized and honored athletes and sports professionals for their outstanding contributions. Movlud Miraliyev, Alakbar Imamaliyev, Zohrab Gozalbayli, and Ilaha Gadimova received the honorary title of 'Honored Physical Education and Sports Figure.' Additionally, a number of individuals were awarded the 'Taraggi' (Progress) Medal for their efforts in sports development.
President Aliyev also presented certificates of housing allocation to athletes and sports professionals who achieved distinguished results in 2025, and announced personal presidential pensions for Tarlan Hasanov, Asim Khudiyev, and Garib Aliyev in recognition of their long-term contributions to sports.
The ceremony concluded with commemorative photos and interactions between President Aliyev and the athletes, marking a significant celebration of Azerbaijan's sports achievements in 2025.