The opening ceremony of the U17 World Wrestling Championships has been held in Baku, Report informs.

The event, held at the National Gymnastics Arena, was attended by Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation President Mikayil Jabbarov, Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov, National Olympic Committee Vice President Chingiz Huseynzade and United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic.

The ceremony began with the performance of Azerbaijan’s national anthem.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jabbarov said Azerbaijan had become one of the countries hosting the world’s most prestigious international competitions as a result of the successful sports policy pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He noted that modern sports infrastructure had been created in the country with state support, opening broad opportunities for the development of various sports, including wrestling.

Jabbarov also thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Minister Farid Gayibov and everyone involved in organizing the U17 World Championships in Baku.

Gayibov described the tournament as a sports celebration and said Baku had successfully hosted international competitions, becoming one of the world’s leading sports centers. He said the rapid development of sports in Azerbaijan and the achievements of Azerbaijani athletes at international tournaments were a clear result of President Ilham Aliyev’s sports policy.

Huseynzade described the U17 World Championships in Baku as an important sporting event. He said such major competitions are important for young wrestlers to gain international experience and for the development of future champions, and wished the participants success.

Lalovic wished the young wrestlers success and said he believed they would represent their countries with dignity at future Summer Olympic Games. He thanked Azerbaijan for organizing the U17 World Championships at a high level and expressed gratitude, on behalf of United World Wrestling, to the National Olympic Committee and President Ilham Aliyev for their support.

The opening ceremony continued with an artistic program.

About 700 young wrestlers from more than 60 countries are competing at the U17 World Championships at the National Gymnastics Arena. Azerbaijan is represented by 29 wrestlers at the