Republican Sports Contest “Saglamlig (Health) 2016” of communication workers has kicked off in Azerbaijan. Note that the Sports Contest is organized in connection with the professional holiday of workers of the sphere of communications and high technologies and 135th anniversary of the creation of telephone communications in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The opening ceremony of the sports contest was attended by First Deputy Minister of Communications and High Technologies Ali Abdullayev, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Ismayil Ismayilov, Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation Agil Dadashov, as well as representatives of communication associations and sports societies. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the sports contest, First Deputy Minister of Communications and High Technologies Ali Abdullayev spoke about the dynamic development of sports in our country, successful results of the country’s athletes in international sports arenas, which were achieved thanks to the special care and attention of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to this field. He said that the women’s volleyball team “Telecom” of the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies has qualified to the group stage of the European Championship 2017 which can be considered a success of the sports community.

Ali Abdullayev noted that holding such sports contests in the country is aimed at strengthening health of communications workers, helping them to spend their leisure time efficiently by involving them in physical culture and sports, as well as determining the best sports teams.

Other speakers at the ceremony noted that the country has achieved significant progress in the field of sports over the recent years. They also noted that such sports contests make great   contribution to the overall development of the country. 

Note that 14 teams, over 500 athletes representing subordinate bodies of the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies will compete in competitions that will be held in 9 kinds of sports (athletics, volleyball, table tennis, tug-of-war, futsal, chess, backgammon, checkers, rifle and pistol shooting). 

The competitions will be held from September 24 to October 25.