“Of course, it is not an easy task to train professional athletes. Coaches and sports experts work hard. The process of selection must be very correct. There are great talents in our regions – children, teenagers, you just need to find them and attract them to sports,” said President Ilham Aliyev in his speech at a meeting with the athletes who succeeded in the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games.

“I am sure that today’s attitude towards sports in Azerbaijan, especially athletes, will bring young people and children to sports clubs. There are conditions for doing sports, there are about 50 Olympic sports centers operating in the regions alone. We have hosted the European Games and world championships in Baku. In other words, all opportunities are available and it is necessary to select the kids coming to sports clubs and train them both as strong athletes and decent citizens. This is also a very important issue. I am very happy, I am very delighted that our athletes, the athletes who represent our country in the world with dignity, are known for exemplary behavior in their day-to-day life. This is very important – humility, devotion to the Motherland, devotion to national values, physical strength, spiritual strength,” the head of state added.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency