The head of state thanked the IJF president for his support for the development of judo in Azerbaijan and for the organisation of the Baku World Judo Championships. He noted that this was the second time that the country had hosted this prestigious sporting event. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that the championships would be held to the highest standard.
The head of state said that judo is one of the most popular and successful sports in Azerbaijan, highlighting the medals won by Azerbaijani judoka at major international competitions. The president of Azerbaijan also referred to the role of the modern sports infrastructure developed not only in the capital, Baku, but also throughout the country’s regions, in the sporting successes achieved.
Thanking the head of state for the reception and for the high-quality organisation of the Baku World Judo Championships, IJF President Marius Vizer congratulated Azerbaijan’s judoka on the medals they have won at various sporting events. Mr Vizer thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his support for the development of judo in the country.
During the meeting, it was noted with satisfaction that Azerbaijan is an active member of the International Judo Federation. The parties exchanged views on the prospects for further successful co-operation between the IJF and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev presented Marius Vizer with the Order of Friendship. The IJF President expressed his gratitude for this recognition of his work.
The distinction honours Marius Vizer’s exceptional service to judo, his important contribution to its development in Azerbaijan and his long-standing commitment to the sport around the world.