September 27 holds a significant place in Azerbaijan’s history. On this day, our country solemnly commemorates the brave sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of our native lands and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. This day has become a symbol of the heroism, courage, and unbreakable will of the Azerbaijani people in their fight for justice and the return of territories occupied by Armenian armed forces for more than 30 years.

For decades, the unresolved conflict was tied to the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions. These lands, which are an integral part of Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural heritage, were held under Armenia’s control for more than 30 years, with the silent consent of the international community. During this period, the Azerbaijani people endured numerous tragedies, destruction, and suffering. Thousands were forced to leave their homeland, which had turned into a battlefield.

However, despite these hardships, the Azerbaijani people never lost faith in justice. The years of occupation could not break the spirit of those who were ready to sacrifice their lives to restore the country’s sovereignty.

On September 27, 2020, the Patriotic War began, playing a decisive role in Azerbaijan’s struggle for its territories. Over 44 days, the Azerbaijani armed forces engaged in fierce battles, liberating the occupied lands. In this war, many heroes lost their lives, fulfilling their duty to the homeland with honor and dignity. Each martyr’s name is a story of courage and self-sacrifice, a testament to loyalty to the nation and homeland.

The fourth anniversary of this historic event is marked by the significant steps taken to restore the areas devastated during the years of occupation, thanks to the wise leadership of our country’s president, Ilham Aliyev. Due to the government’s active work, numerous homes and infrastructures in the liberated lands of Karabakh have already been rebuilt and restored. Gradually, the regions that had turned into ruins over the decades are coming back to life. Former displaced persons who were forced to leave their homes can now return to their lands. Families have already been resettled in Shusha, Lachin, Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Khojaly, where life is starting anew.

Karabakh, once destroyed and ravaged, is now being rebuilt, reclaiming its rhythm and former beauty. Soon, the residents of Jabrayil, Kalbajar, and Aghdam will also return to their native places. The restoration of houses, schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure continues rapidly, and these areas are preparing to welcome new residents. Karabakh is reviving: streets once ruled by silence are now filled with children’s laughter and the joyful voices of people. The first weddings have taken place in Shusha and Khankendi, and hospitable, joyful Karabakh is once again welcoming its guests. Following a new tradition, all events begin with paying tribute to the memory of the heroes who ensured this return at the cost of their lives.

Martyrs are those who spared no effort for future generations, for peace and prosperity in Azerbaijan. Their courage is a source of strength and inspiration for every citizen of the country. September 27 has become the day when the entire nation bows in respect before those who remained eternally young and gave their all for the freedom and independence of the homeland.

Today, events commemorating the memory of the martyrs are organized throughout the country. Lessons on patriotism are held in schools and universities, where young people learn about the history of Azerbaijan’s struggle for territorial integrity, and prayers are offered in mosques and public squares for the martyrs. It is essential for every Azerbaijani citizen to remember the cost of this victory and to keep the memory of the martyrs alive in their hearts forever.

Their heroism is a symbol of national pride, a testament to how spiritual strength and love for the homeland can overcome any obstacle.

Azer Askerov

At a time when we were experiencing the joy of the historic victory in the cudo competitions of the XXXIII Olympic Bow Games held in Paris, the capital of France, we also received good news from our young cudo players: Tallinn, the capital of Estonia At the European Championships, they took first place according to the results of both the individual races and the mixed command race. Our group team participated in the championship with 16 athletes (9 boys, 7 girls) and won 8 medals in individual races: 4 red, 2 silver and 2 silver. Red medals were brought to our country by Vüsal Qələndərzadə (-73 kq), Süleyman Şükürov (-81 kq), Könül Əliyeva (-48 kq) and Fidan Əlizadə (-57 kq).

In the command race, our troopers reached the final by defeating the Bolgarian, Turkish and Dutch commands, and in this race they succeeded in prevailing over the French command. This is the highest result ever achieved by our young players in the European championships.

Our tricolor flag was raised many times and our chant was voiced.

The success of our young wrestlers, the 2 red and 2 third medals won by the young wrestlers in the world championship in Lima, the capital of Peru, shows that this type of training has developed dynamically in our country, and the Azerbaijani team in the Paris Olympiad It confirms once again that the triumph of the system is not accidental.

The successors of our Olympian champions – Nazimin, Elnurun, Hidayətin and Zelim are growing, and the fame of our national team school has increased rapidly in recent years.

This, of course, shows that the young generation in our country has a high interest in this magnificent form of exercise, and that the Azerbaijan Football Federation approaches its work with proper and fruitful responsibility.

Let us remember what the honorable President İlham Aliyev said when he congratulated our athletes during his meeting with the Azerbaijani athletes and their players who won medals at the Paris Olympics: “… Affairs, training in the Federation “When the love process is established properly and the weather is good, the result is, of course, in the eye.” .

I wholeheartedly congratulate the members of the mass command of Azerbaijan, which consists of young people, and the soldiers, and I am happy for the success of my friend Elkhan Mammadov, the chief soldier. Their success as a training team also enriches our national moral values.

Good luck, dear friends!

Azer Askerov

The farewell ceremony of the Azerbaijani Olympic team that will participate in “Paris-2024” was held. 48 athletes from our country will participate in the upcoming Summer Olympic Games. The honor of carrying the Azerbaijani flag at the opening ceremony held in Paris was entrusted to judoka Gultaj Mammadaliyeva and boxer Mahammad Abdullayev.
The Olympic Games are one of the most significant events in the world of sports. They are held every four years and bring together athletes from all over the world representing their countries in various sports. Games help to strengthen international relations, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between nations, inspiring millions of people to achieve high results and strive for excellence. Games have a special attitude not only by athletes but also by sports fans. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games are also an important tradition that showcases the culture of the host country.

The Olympic movement, founded by Pierre de Coubertin at the end of the 19th century, is based on ancient Greek traditions. One of the main traditions is the lighting of the Olympic torch, which is a symbol of peace, unity, and friendship between nations. The Olympic torch is lit in Greece and carried by relay to the venue of the games. During the Olympic Games, a truce was declared between the hostile parties, and those who violated it were punished. Unfortunately, these principles are not always followed now, but at least efforts are made to stop armed conflicts during the Olympic Games. Despite the differences in political views, different geopolitical interests, and mental characteristics, representatives of different regions are united by the love of sports, which improves the world.

Sport is a world of justice, honesty, perseverance, and strength, a world where anyone with a strong spirit has a place. “O sport! You are peace!” – this saying of Baron Pierre de Coubertin became the slogan of peaceful coexistence of all peoples of the world. It should be, but unfortunately, the world has never been ideal.
The Olympic Games are distinguished by their scale and international importance, bringing together athletes from more than 200 countries. I think every athlete dreams of participating in the Olympic Games. The situation led to the fact that I could not participate in the Olympics as an athlete, but I always watched the Olympic sports competitions, of course, first of all, the competitions between judokas with great impatience. For a judoka, any competition is, first of all, an exam, an opportunity to test one’s capabilities, and a holiday, but the attitude to the Olympic Games is especially sensitive, exciting, and joyful.

The real rise period of the Olympic movement in Azerbaijan began after the election of the Honorable President Mr. Ilham Aliyev as the head of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) in 1997.
I would like to proudly remind you of one important fact: after the restoration of state independence, the first Olympic gold medal was brought to Azerbaijan by our famous judoka, my dear friend Nazim Huseynov. In 1992, he won a gold medal at the XXV Summer Olympic Games held in Barcelona (Spain) and wrote his name in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijani sports.

Then there was a period of stagnation in judo that lasted up to 16 years. And only after President Ilham Aliyev became the head of the Azerbaijan NOC, the revival of our judo began.
Another prominent representative of Azerbaijani judo, Elnur Mammadli, became the champion of the Beijing (China) Summer Olympic Games in 2008. Our judokas Mevlud Miraliyev (Beijing 2000), Irina Kindzerskaya (Tokyo 2020), Elmar Gasimov, Rustam Orujov (Rio de Janeiro 2016) who won medals in the following Olympics also made a worthy contribution to the development of judo in our country.

Of course, there are still members of the Azerbaijani judo family among our athletes, who we hope will achieve high achievements in the Paris Olympics. 7 male and 2 female athletes will represent our country in judo competitions. I am especially pleased that among them is the “Judo Club 2012” representative Zelim Kotsoyev.

I believe that each of our athletes will make sacrifices to raise the Azerbaijani flag and sing our national anthem in France, and I pray to God that we will experience that proud moment together!
We expect brilliant Olympic victories, medals, and worthy participation in such a prestigious tournament from representatives of various sports. Good luck!

Azer Askerov