(MENAFN- AzerNews) The 53rd ISSF World Shooting Championships has started in Baku.
Around 1, 239 shooters from 101 countries.
The opening ceremony was held at Baku Crystal Hall, Azernews reports. The parade of flags of
participating countries was held as part of the ceremony. Next, the
audience enjoyed a video on Azerbaijan's cultural heritage.
After that, the Azerbaijani flag was brought to the scene, and
the state anthem was played. Following it, the flag of
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) was brought to the
scene, and the anthem of the Federation was played.
Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sport Farid Gayibov welcomed
the guests of the ceremony.
In his speech, the minister stressed that the World Shooting
Championship reminded that 2023 has been declared the Year of
Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan.
"On this occasion, various large-scale events and competitions
are held by our federations. It is no coincidence that the World
Shooting Championship was held for the first time in Azerbaijan in
the year when we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev.
The National Leader has always paid special attention to sports and
has not spared his support for athletes," said Farid Gayibov.
In his speech, the minister noted that Azerbaijan has great
experience in holding large-scale events.
"Azerbaijan has great experience in holding large-scale events
and competitions. It is impossible to hold all these events without
the support of the state. In Azerbaijan, sport is a state policy.
This state policy was determined by the head of the country,
President Ilham Aliyev. As a result of the tasks given by him, the
joint work of various state institutions and federations,
Azerbaijan is achieving high results in the field of sports. On
behalf of our country, I would like to express my deep gratitude to
the International Shooting Sports Federation for believing in
Azerbaijan and entrusting the championship to us, as well as to
everyone who contributed to the organization of the competition. I
wish success to all athletes," he concluded.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the International
Shooting Sport Federation Luciano Rossi emphasized that Azerbaijan
hosts a number of international competitions.
"As a result of President Ilham Aliyev's visionary policy and
commitment to sports, Baku has hosted a number of world-class sport
competitions since the first European Games. We also express our
gratitude to the First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, who
greatly contributes to the development of various sports in
Azerbaijan. The Olympic Games in Paris are only one year away. The
53rd ISSF World Shooting Championships gives way to the Paris 2024
Summer Olympics," he said.
After that, the swearing-in ceremony of athletes, coaches and
judges took place. The ceremony was followed by a spectacular
show.