May 19, 2026

Azerbaijan Marks World Fair Play Day with Official Award Ceremony

Baku, 19 May – On the occasion of World Fair Play Day, the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (NOC) organized an official award ceremony dedicated to the promotion of Fair Play values in sport.

The event was attended by NOC Vice-Presidents Chingiz Huseynzade, Zemfira Meftakhetdinova and Farid Mansurov, President of the Azerbaijan Fair Play Organization and EFPM Executive Committee member Khazar Isayev, Members of Parliament Konul Nurullayeva and Eyvaz Gurbanov, Olympic medalists, distinguished athletes and representatives of the sports community.

During the ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of promoting ethical behavior, respect, integrity and solidarity in sport, highlighting Azerbaijan’s longstanding cooperation with the European and International Fair Play Movements.

NOC Vice-President Chingiz Huseynzade noted that the Fair Play Commission of the National Olympic Committee has been operating since 1998 and was among the first such commissions established in Europe.

Khazar Isayev underlined Azerbaijan’s active role within the European Fair Play Movement and highlighted the recent appointment of Azerbaijan’s representative Aysel Sultanova as the European head of the Technical Commission during the latest Executive Committee meeting of the international organization.

At the end of the ceremony, the winners of the Fair Play Commission awards for 2025 were announced.

Hikmat Samadov, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Taekwondo Federation, received the award in the category “Sports figure committed to Fair Play principles.” Two-time Paralympic champion Lamiya Valiyeva was honored in the category “Athlete committed to Fair Play principles,” while wrestling coach Jabrail Hasanov and international volleyball referee Fuad Agayev were also recognized for their contribution to Fair Play values.

ATV television representative Sanan Shafizade received the award for the promotion of Fair Play principles in the media.

Special recognition was also given to the “Olympic World” newspaper for its contribution to the promotion of the Fair Play Movement over the past 25 years.

In addition, Paris 2024 Paralympic silver medalist Gashim Magomedov received the European Fair Play Movement’s “Spirit of Fair Play” award.

The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photo, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting Fair Play values both nationally and internationally.