President Aliyev awards athletes

Azerbaijan’s President, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev has awarded sportsmen and specialists in accordance with results of 2014.

A solemn ceremony was held at the National Olympic Committee on December 22.

The head of state made a speech at the event.

Then, he presented awards to the athletes.

Azerbaijani sportsmen showed the great result this year conquering 789 medals in 11 months, according to the Sport and Youth Ministry.

Young athletes have shined at the second Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. Azerbaijan's team that comprised of 21 athletes competed in 9 events finished the Olympics with a haul of 12 medals, namely five gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze.

Next year, the country will host historic inaugural European Games in Baku on June 12-28.