Ceremony dedicated to 2025 sports results held in Azerbaijan

A ceremony dedicated to the results of sports in 2025 was held on December 26 in Baku. The President of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

According to him, in 2025, the number of medals won by Azerbaijani athletes reached a record high.

"More than 2,000 medals, including about 600 gold medals, were won at international competitions. This once again demonstrates that the development of sports in Azerbaijan is progressing successfully. Compared to last year, the number of medals has increased, which is a natural result of the attention we pay to the development of sports and the state policy we pursue, leading to improved outcomes year after year," Ilham Aliyev said.

The head of state stressed that the development of sports in Azerbaijan is an integral part of its state policy. According to him, numerous state programs have been implemented, sports infrastructure has been built almost from scratch and is now at the highest level, while all necessary conditions have been created for people to engage in sports in the regions.

This year, construction of two Olympic Sports Centers - in Ganja and Yevlakh - was completed, bringing the total number of Olympic Sports Centers in the regions to 46, the Azerbaijani leader added.

One of the main directions of Azerbaijan's policy is to educate young people in a healthy spirit and in the spirit of patriotism, so that they grow up loving their Motherland and are well educated. The physical fitness and moral integrity of young people should form a unity, he noted.

"Every time our athletes raise the National Flag at international competitions, each of us feels a sense of pride. Over the past five years, our flag has been raised in international arenas as the flag of a victorious country," Ilham Aliyev said.

The head of state recalled that many international sports competitions are traditionally held in Azerbaijan. The main sports competition held in Azerbaijan this year was the third CIS Games. The Games were organized at a very high level. Their distinctive feature was that they were held in the regions. While any sports competition can be held in Baku, organizing the CIS Games in the regions with the participation of thousands of foreign guests clearly demonstrated Azerbaijan's potential, Ilham Aliyev said.

"Awarding athletes and sports specialists has become a longstanding tradition. It is a fine tradition that has continued for nearly 30 years, and it must always be fair. Those who elevate the sporting glory of Azerbaijan should be duly recognized by the state, and their efforts should receive proper appreciation," Ilham Aliyev said.

Then, a ceremony was held to honor athletes and sports specialists for their contributions to the development of sports in Azerbaijan.