The next XXXII Olympic Games have started in Tokyo, Japan. Azerbaijan is represented by 44 athletes in this prestigious competition. Our athletes have already joined competitions in several sports. Our judo team of nine people is also experiencing the excitement of the competition from today.
Yesterday we watched the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Judoist Rustam Orujov and taekwondo fighter Farida Azizova carried the Azerbaijani flag in the team parade. I was very proud both as a veteran judoka and a member of the Executive Committee of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.
All representatives of our country, including our judokas, left for the Olympics with the hope of victory. I also took part in the trainings of our judokas during the preparation for the competitions. I know that they are determined and will compete in the spirit of victory.
Of course, the Olympics are the arena of the strongest. Azerbaijani athletes are participating in Tokyo 2020 as representatives of the winning country. Of course, this gives them extra moral and psychological strength.
Congratulations to the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, our Olympic team on the start of the competitions, I wish success to each of our athletes!
Azer ASKEROV