Throughout Azerbaijan’s history, well-known sports such as wrestling, shooting, fencing, javelin and racing have enjoyed immense popularity. Competitive sports were first recorded inThe Book of Dede Korkut, a collection of folklore from the 11th century to the 16th century AD, in which both male and female competitors are mentioned.
The Azerbaijani passion for sport is as strong as ever. As well as the widespread practice of mainstream sports, the traditional equestrian disciplines of surpapag, baharband and chovgan (a precursor of polo) also thrive in local communities.
During its short 22 years of independence, Azerbaijan has sent just under 200 athletes to represent the country at five Summer Olympics and four Winter Olympics and claimed 26 medals in boxing, shooting, judo, weightlifting and wrestling. In total, during this period of time, Azerbaijan sportsmen gained more than 2,500 medals, 900 of which are gold medals at numerous Europe, World and Cup championships.
The majority of international sport events in Azerbaijan are held in the capital, Baku. However, multi-sport events, such as the Football FIFA under-17 Women’s World Cup, have taken place across venues in different cities. Thanks to its excellent arenas and facilities, Baku has hosted 36 major sporting events since 2002, including Taekwondo, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Volleyball, Football, Fencing, Tennis, Judo and Road Cycling.*Azerbaijan is also proud to be hosting the 2014 European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
The new venues being built for the first European Games, as well as renovations and upgrades of existing venues, will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of avid sports fans and the aspiring new athletes of Azerbaijan.
* 2002 European Championship Freestyle Wrestling
