President Ilham Aliyev addressed the recurring issue of unfairness faced by Azerbaijani athletes during international competitions during a meeting with wrestlers and their coaches who secured the team championship at the European Championships.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the head of state highlighted a specific trend regarding continental tournaments. "It is interesting that, as a rule, there is more injustice against Azerbaijani athletes in European competitions compared to world championships. Apparently, not everyone in Europe is happy about Azerbaijan's participation in European championships, and not only its participation but also its victory over all European countries," President Ilham Aliyev stated.
Azerbaijan has consistently invested in its sports infrastructure and athlete development, leading to significant successes in international arenas, including the Olympic Games and various world championships. The country has also hosted major international sporting events, such as the inaugural European Games in 2015 and the Islamic Solidarity Games. These achievements have solidified Azerbaijan's position as a rising sporting nation, though officials have frequently pointed to double standards and biased officiating as challenges faced by national competitors on the global stage.
