Elnur Mammadli, Judo, Olympic Gold Medallist, 2008
“Having participated in the Olympic Games, I fully support the Baku Bid to bring this unique and incredible celebratory experience to my home country. Hosting the Olympic Games to Baku will stimulate the development of new sports in Azerbaijan and will be an inspiration for many other young and ambitious Azeri sportsmen and sportswomen. Azerbaijan has much to offer and I am convinced that Baku will be able to organize the ultimate Olympic Games of the Future.”
Zemfira Meftaheddinova, Shooting, Olympic Gold Medallist, 2000, Olympic Bronze Medallist, 2004
“It will be an unforgettable experience for the Azerbaijani people, but I am also confident that Azerbaijanis can make this an unforgettable experience for the rest of the world. Azerbaijan is a very welcoming country and it has already shown that it can host world class sporting events. I think Baku deserves to win!”
Ilham Zakiev, Judo, Olympic Gold Medallist, Paralympics, 2004 and 2008
“I am proud to be backing the Baku2020 Bid. To bring the Games to our region for the first time would be an incredible honour. This bid represents a unique opportunity for the world to discover modern Baku, and to encourage the young people with disabilities to participate in sports and to get inspired to realise their full potential in life.”
Namig Abdullayev, Wrestling, Olympic Gold Medallist, 2000
“Winning the bid to host the 2020 Olympics would be as great as winning an Olympic medal.This Bid will raise the profile of Azerbaijan and Baku around the world and will show that there is more to discover here than people might think. I fully support the Baku 2020 Bid and wish it every success.”
Farid Mansurov, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Olympic Gold Medallist, 2004
“Winning the 2004 Gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling in Athens was a moment of pure joy as an athlete. Boxing is an ancient discipline for both Greece and Azerbaijan, and this brought our nations closer together. I support the 2020 Baku bid. It is great opportunity for Azerbaijan to help create new ties across the world.”
Irada Ashumova, Shooting, Olympic Bronze Medallist, 2004
“Promoting women in sports is crucial, and Azerbaijan is taking active steps to encourage its youth in this direction. After all, Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote. As an athlete and a coach I support the bid to bring the 2020 bid to Baku.”
Jamal Rahimov, Show jumping
“In Azerbaijan, the local Karabakh horse is our national animal and I was honoured to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games as my country’s first equestrian athlete. My fellow riders and I have all noticed an important rise in the enthusiasm for our discipline in the last 4 years. Generally Azerbaijanis love sports! Bringing the Olympics to Baku would help cultivate excitement for riding but also many more sports in Azerbaijan.”
Teimour Radjabov, Chess Grandmaster
“I am thrilled that Baku has put itself forward as a possible host for the 2020 Olympics. It will provide sportsmen with the opportunity to compete at the top of their field. I hope it will inspire people to get active and develop their interest in sport, whether this is an intellectual sport or physical sport!”
