Minister: Baku 2017 held at higher level than Rio 2016 Olympics

23 May 2017 18:05 (UTC+04:00)

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The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku were held at a higher level than Rio 2016 Olympics, said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani minister of youth and sports, general executive director of the Games’ Operations Committee.

Rahimov made remarks at the press-conference in Baku on May 23 dedicated to the results of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games.

"Azerbaijani athletes performed very well and took the lead in medal standings at the Games,” he said. “Everything was organized at a high level in terms of security, transport. Baku’s guests were pleased.”

“The competitions were held in 16 sports facilities,” Rahimov said. “No problems occurred. More than 3,000 athletes, around 2,000 representatives of the teams and technical staff were involved in the Games.”

The minister stressed that the opening and closing ceremonies were also held at the highest level. “An atmosphere of the holiday was created during the Games. Everybody watched the competitions with great interest.”

“The athletes were also pleased with the conditions created at the Games,” Rahimov said.

More than 3,000 athletes representing 54 countries competed for 269 sets of medals at the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku.

Azerbaijan took the lead in medal standings at the Games. The national athletes won 75 gold, 50 silver and 37 bronze medals.

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