Ilham Aliyev - Main goal of all sports bodies now should be preparation for Summer Olympic Games

"Certainly, training professional athletes is not an easy issue and trainers, sports specialists work hard, selection works should be conducted appropriately. There are many great talented persons, children, and teenagers in our regions, they should only be found, selected, and involved in sports," said President Ilham Aliyev on August 22 in his speech while meeting with athletes who won medals at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games, Qazet.az reports.

"After the Games, of course, there should be a rest period, but it should not last too long, because the Summer Olympic Games are coming, and there is not much time left, only 2 years. That's why we need to start training in the next few months, after that the qualifying tournaments will start and our team will be formed. I think that now the main goal of all sports bodies should be preparation for the Summer Olympic Games. I am sure that all sports organizations know and understand their duties here, and thus we will represent our country with dignity at the Summer Olympic Games," noted the head of state.