Baku hosts ZAFAR 2014 awarding ceremony

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazali

The awarding ceremony of “ZAFAR 2014”- a traditional award for high achievements in sports- was held in Baku. The event was co-organized by “Sportsman” magazine and Azerbaijan Youth and Sport Ministry.

Addressing the ceremony Ismail Ismailov, Deputy Youth and Sport Minister noted that the government has created all necessary conditions for sports development in the country. He said that many important steps are being taken to improve the material-technical base.

Ismailov also spoke about several competitions and achievements that the national sportsmen have reached in the World and European championships, as well as in Olympic Games.

Azerbaijani athletes won more than 800 medals including 275 gold medals in 2014, he said.

Many important international events and competitions were held in Azerbaijan in 2014 including the 30th European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics, General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee, Global Forum on Youth Policy, 6th World Cyber Games Championship and others.

Rashad Gamarshahoglu, Editor-in-chief at “Sportman” noted that ceremony has been held regularly since 2008. He also added that gaining medals in various competitions is a clear indicator of sports development in the country.

Later the awarding ceremony was held.

Eldar Mahmudov, Abel Maharramov and Kent McNeely were awarded for their role in the development of Azerbaijani sport.

Haji Aliyev and Zaur Hajibabayev - Sportsmen of the Year

Adil Aliyev - Veteran of the year.

Azerbaijan Taekwondo Federation - Federation of the Year

National Gymnastics Arena –Sport Arena of the Year

Azerbaijani Fencing Women team - Future of the Sport

Karabakh FC - Club of the Year

The team of the Azerbaijan National Karate Federation - National Team of the Year

Azerbaijan Association of Sports Journalists - Sports Association of the Year

"Olympic world" newspaper - Sport publication of the Year

The Club Port Baku - Health Center of the Year

Tahir Gezel - for contributing to Azerbaijani football

Javid Gurbanov - for contributing to the beach football

Elnur Mammadov - for sport promotion

Shamil Alifov - for social activities in the affairs of national sports

Then a concert program and lottery with special prizes were held.